Integrators predict healthy outlook for worldwide automation industry

Buoyed by more business opportunities, including significant production improvements and expansion in numerous industries, members of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) remain confident strong economic conditions will continue in most areas around the world.

 “CSIA members are telling us that more plant managers, operations directors and other industry leaders are investing in automation to ensure their manufacturing systems run at peak capacity,” said Robert Lowe, CSIA executive director, in a statement. “Many clients of CSIA members are turning to them for project assessment and implementation.”

According to a CSIA member survey, more than half expect their business to grow by 20 per cent or more this year. Industries served by CSIA members such as food and beverage, metals, oil and gas, and paper were among those reporting growth at the end of the first quarter of 2012.

“All leading indicators are up, a clear indication of economic health,” Alan Beaulieu, economist and president of the Institute for Trend Research, added. “Manufacturing is picking up speed and interest rates are going to stay low.”