Will the Lights stay on for Linear Motion Component Production？

　　Manufacturers of linear motion components, such as ball screws and linear guides, have made significant investments in factory capacity in recent years. In the current global economic downturn will they now need to moth ball production lines or even close whole factories?

　　IMS Analyst James Dawson thinks not. - “We will undoubtedly see a slowing in demand for linear motion components as companies postpone and even cancel investment in machinery due to the down turn in the world economy and the difficulties in raising finance. However, the majority of manufacturers have been quite shrewd in where they have built additional factory capacity. We have seen companies open new factories in regions of the highest growth, such as Asia Pacific and China. Demand for ball screws and linear guides in these emerging markets will continue to remain robust even through the downturn; when the global economy recovers they will be in place to take advantage in the recovering demand for linear motion products from machine builders. Indeed the market is expected to remain relatively healthy worldwide, as a result of replacement trends and increased levels of factory automation. However, don’t expect to see, in the next two of three years the double-digit annual growth the linear motion industry has recently enjoyed.”

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　　About IMS Research

　　IMS Research is a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a wide range of global electronics markets. The company is supported by headquarters in Wellingborough, UK and offices in Austin, Texas and Shanghai, China. IMS Research regularly publishes detailed research on power transmission and low voltage products markets, among others.