Strong growth for European tube manufacture
2010 production exceeds record 2008 form
European tube production rose 12% to 5.5 billion tubes in the first half of 2010 according to the European Tube Manufacturers Association (etma). Following an ‘extremely difficult’ economic year in 2009, production so far this year is said to be slightly ahead of 2008’s record level according to etma. Aluminium tubes, which account for 42% of total production grew 14%, plastic tubes (29%) saw an 11% rise and laminate tubes (29%) also saw an increase of 9%. Demand was particularly strong from the cosmetics industry, up 15% on last year. “Clients are more confident again even though orders continue to be placed at relatively short notice and in small lot sizes,” said etma president, Martin Hintz. “A high degree of flexibility and intelligent production planning are thus highly imperative for the sector.”
