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Second quarter boost for Höganäs
PM ‘can ride out recession’ says MPIF’s Mark Paullin There are many opportunities for the PM industry to ride out the current recession, according to Mark C Paullin, president of the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF). Speaking at PowderMet 2009 in Las Vegas, he said that the PM industry still has much to offer car makers in conventional power trains, in diesel engines, and in hybrid vehicles. “We can offer innovative engineering/materials solutions, cost savings, and a technology that is environmentally safe,” he said. Future PM parts usage in light vehicles is projected to grow from between 590 000 to 900 000 tons globally by 2015, based on an estimated global market of almost 77 million vehicles, while potential new applications include connecting rods for diesel engines and electric traction drives and electric motor gears in hybrid vehicles, according to Paullin. Renewable green energy, particularly in wind turbines and solar panels also presents opportunities for conventional PM, metal injection moulding, and nanotechnology,
he suggested. Although still in their infancy, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing offer exciting opportunities for PM as well he said. “While the PM industry faces many challenges, it will still be an important materials technology and manufacturing process,” Paullin said. “As the current recession subsides, the PM market will return and grow. The US automotive and industrial markets will still need innovative suppliers that offer precision productions and cost savings.” The PM industry in 2008 weakened in the second half, especially in the final quarter mainly due to a sharp decrease in auto production in November and December. Iron powder production declined 19% to 327 272 short tons, copper and copper-based powder shipments declined 13 % to 17 400 short tons, and stainless steel powder shipments declined about 20% to an estimated 7 750 short tons. www.mpif.org
Second quarter boost for Höganäs SWEDISH iron powder giant Höganäs has generated positive income in the second quarter despite sales volumes being 34% lower than in the corresponding period of 2008, says the company in its interim report. In the second quarter, net sales were MSEK 1,098 (1,592) in the quarter, down 31% year on year, and sales volumes were 34% lower. In the first quarter, net sales were MSEK 2,014 (3,175) in the period, down 37% year on year. Sales volumes were 42% lower. “After a very weak period around year end, the market has gradually improved through the first half-year, although demand remains unstable and progress is uncertain,” said CEO Alrik Danielsson. “We are pleased [by] the fact that we have continued to be able to generate significant positive cash flow. We can conclude that we are benefiting from our strong positioning in Asia in the market’s current recovery phase.” www.hoganas.com
metal-powder.net
July/August 2009 MPR
7
he suggested. Although still in their infancy, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing offer exciting opportunities for PM as well he said. “While the PM industry faces many challenges, it will still be an important materials technology and manufacturing process,” Paullin said. “As the current recession subsides, the PM market will return and grow. The US automotive and industrial markets will still need innovative suppliers that offer precision productions and cost savings.” The PM industry in 2008 weakened in the second half, especially in the final quarter mainly due to a sharp decrease in auto production in November and December. Iron powder production declined 19% to 327 272 short tons, copper and copper-based powder shipments declined 13 % to 17 400 short tons, and stainless steel powder shipments declined about 20% to an estimated 7 750 short tons. www.mpif.org
Second quarter boost for Höganäs SWEDISH iron powder giant Höganäs has generated positive income in the second quarter despite sales volumes being 34% lower than in the corresponding period of 2008, says the company in its interim report. In the second quarter, net sales were MSEK 1,098 (1,592) in the quarter, down 31% year on year, and sales volumes were 34% lower. In the first quarter, net sales were MSEK 2,014 (3,175) in the period, down 37% year on year. Sales volumes were 42% lower. “After a very weak period around year end, the market has gradually improved through the first half-year, although demand remains unstable and progress is uncertain,” said CEO Alrik Danielsson. “We are pleased [by] the fact that we have continued to be able to generate significant positive cash flow. We can conclude that we are benefiting from our strong positioning in Asia in the market’s current recovery phase.” www.hoganas.com
metal-powder.net
July/August 2009 MPR
7