Packaging machinery investments appear set to move ahead according to plan, and perhaps a little better, according to PMMI’s Purchasing Index for the first quarter of 2013 (Q1 2013). The report, based on data from 245 machinery end users, notes that while almost all indicators predicted growth for Q1 2013, the beverage, food and chemical segments appeared poised to outpace the market as a whole.
 
“The data indicate that for most of the surveyed companies, first quarter packaging machinery purchases would move forward,” says Jorge Izquierdo, director, market development, PMMI, noting that the “Q1 2013 vs. Initially Scheduled Projects” index is 55.
 
An index of 50 represents the midpoint, where responses are divided fairly equally between increases and decreases in activity. Above the midpoint, the market is seen as generally expanding; below 50 indicates contraction.
 
Survey data show the midpoint each specific index clearly above the midpoint: Q1 2013 vs. Q4 2012 at 62.3, Q1 2013 vs. Q1 2012 at 65.6, and 1Q 2013 vs. Initially Scheduled Projects at 55. However, this is 2.2 points lower than projections for the fourth quarter of 2012.
 
“The vast majority — 87.2 percent — said they either increased or maintained their spending plans for this quarter, ” Izquierdo adds. “Just 12 percent anticipated delays or cancellations of purchases..”
 
PMMI’s Purchasing Plan Survey covers seven markets: Beverages, Durables/Industrial/Hardware, Foods, Chemicals, Paper/Non-Durables, Cosmetics/Personal Care, and Pharmaceutical/Medical Devices.