UK gears up for third place in European market

The UK has kept its position as Europe`s third largest supplier and buyer of mechanical power transmission market, although it trails behind the two market leaders, Germany and Italy.

Figures for the year 2000, released by the British Gear Association (BGA), show that the UK bought £530m worth of transmission equipment during the year - a 5.6% increase on the 1999 figure. This represents about 13% of total European demand in this sector.

At the same time, the German market grew by a similar percentage to reach £2.09bn, representing 51% of all mechanical transmission sales in Europe.

UK production of power transmission equipment also rose slightly during 2000 - up by £7m to £482m - to give it 8% of the European market. Germany, by comparison, produces more than half of the equipment made in Europe.

Further details are contained in a 79-page report available from the BGA. Details on (44) 01283 515521.