PALO ALTO, CA, Jan. 11, 2007 -- Rising competition and increasing price pressures in the pumps market for the water and wastewater industry are compelling manufacturers to adopt a more service-oriented approach with end users. Given that the market is approaching maturity, there is a very strong need for pump manufacturers to find new ways to increase sales and revenues. Bundling service and maintenance functions along with the products appears to be a move in the right direction and could help them gain much-needed customer loyalty in a fiercely competitive market.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, "World Pumps Market in the Water and Wastewater Industry," finds that this market earned revenues of $8.73 billion in 2005 and estimates it to reach $12.08 billion in 2012.
"The key success factor for manufacturers is to supply a one-stop shop for all the services and solutions requirements of end users including on-site assistance, maintenance and spare parts," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Dushyant Mehra. "This trend is gaining strength as end users can get the knowledge outsourced at minimal risks, while ensuring proper application and operation of the equipment."
Providing solutions in line with end-user needs could considerably strengthen demand for pumps, as will the upgrading of old water treatment plants and new construction activity in emerging economies. In particular, Latin America and Asia Pacific seem to hold good potential for pump manufacturers as these regions are experiencing robust economic growth and a related increase in water and wastewater activities.
Other factors likely to contribute to pumps' demand are their energy-saving potential, coupled with longer equipment life and ability to monitor flow. However, energy-saving benefits can be realized only if manufacturers significantly enhance the efficiency of pumps. This is a major challenge for manufacturers, especially since regulations on energy consumption are likely to become stricter during 2006 to 2007.
"To remain competitive and retain the ability to offer lower prices, pump manufacturers have to reduce overheads and production costs to a minimum," says Mehra. "Currently, the loss of energy is as high as 70 percent, compelling manufacturers to enhance efficiency to address this problem."
Pressure is also mounting on manufacturers to provide life cycle cost (LCC) saving solutions. LCC plays a much bigger role in end users' pump purchasing decisions than the initial purchase price. Since LCC includes the purchase, installing, operating, maintaining and disposing of the equipment, higher energy costs would naturally weigh heavily with end users.
This challenge could be particularly high for smaller companies, who are facing increasing difficulties in complying with various standards for a wide range of equipment and components, with regard to noise and emission levels, hygiene standards, quality, and reliability.
"World Pumps Market in the Water and Wastewater Industry," part of the Industrial Automation & Process Control Subscription, provides a comprehensive analysis of forecasts for the water and wastewater industry separately, based on the product types, geographic regions and technological trends from 2002 to 2012. It also covers major competitive issues in great detail. In this research service, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: reverse osmosis and variable speed drives.
Frost & Sullivan (www.frost.com), a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. It serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective, and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
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