Equipment Industry Mood Still Muted

Jan. 18, 2011

Each year, we survey our subscribers to ascertain what the year ahead holds. It has not been pretty the past couple of years.

Our 2011 Annual Report & Forecast paints a picture that has many unfilled spaces in it. There are too many variables for a certainty that would lift the industry. Congress, consumers and the huge unemployment numbers in the construction industry are keeping the equipment industry on hold.

Each year, we survey our subscribers to ascertain what the year ahead holds. It has not been pretty the past couple of years.

Our 2011 Annual Report & Forecast paints a picture that has many unfilled spaces in it. There are too many variables for a certainty that would lift the industry. Congress, consumers and the huge unemployment numbers in the construction industry are keeping the equipment industry on hold.

Here at the 2011 World of Concrete today, the mood seems similar. There are pockets of energy, but the global players reside there. The North American market continues to be mired.

For the equipment professional, it's still a wait-and-see mindset. When business does break, it will be in a rush, many say. With fleets that are declining in health, the ability to quickly ramp up may be tested.

About the Author

Rod Sutton

I have served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001. 

Our mission is to help managers of heavy equipment and trucks to improve their performance in acquiring and managing their fleets. One way we do that is with our Executive Institute, where experts share information and ideas that will enable equipment managers to accurately manage equipment costs so that they can deliver the optimum financial benefits to their organizations.

We also have a laser focus on product development, performance, and technology; as well as equipment acquisition, disposal, and maintenance. Our exclusive Field Tests take earthmoving equipment and truck into the field for professional evaluations.

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