WWEMA Member Market Survey Reflects Sales Increases

The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) has released the results of its 2019 WWEMA Member Market Indicators Survey. The survey tracks the business activity and anticipated activity of manufacturers and their representatives within the water and wastewater market for two annual periods, in the following eight business areas:

• Design Work
• Quotations
• Bookings/Orders
• Domestic Sales
• International Sales
• Company Employment
• Materials Costs
• Industry Market Growth

The results of the survey generally showed increasing domestic sales for the initial period of September 2018 – August 2019, with approximately 54 percent of responding companies reporting positive growth over that period from the prior year and only a few companies reporting negative growth. And the reported growth remains consistently strong, with over 20 percent of companies reporting sales in the seven and one-half to ten percent range. International sales were not as strong with nearly 60 percent of companies reporting flat sales and another 17 percent reporting negative growth.

Looking ahead to the subsequent annual reporting period, companies generally continue to express optimism as approximately 90 percent anticipate positive domestic sales growth. Other positive indicators of note include a continued uptick in bookings/orders and design work. Not surprisingly, company employment grew during the initial period and is expected to continue to do so as companies expand hiring to meet production associated with the strong sales figures. The general optimism conveyed in this year’s survey data is slightly tempered from last year’s robust growth predictions, but strong nonetheless. Companies anticipate challenges associated with staffing as many expect continued expansion; this will likely be made more difficult by an already small pool of qualified applicants. Additionally, companies expect to see material cost continue to increase. The full detailed report by each segment with analysis for current and future evaluation timeframes is available exclusively for WWEMA members.

Since 1908, WWEMA has informed, educated, and provided leadership on the issues that shape the future of the water and wastewater industry. Our member companies supply the most sophisticated leading-edge products and technologies, offering solutions to every water-related environmental problem and need facing today’s society. For more information, visit www.wwema.org.