Innovation is Key to Gaining Larger Share in the European Above the Neck PPE Market, Says Frost & Sullivan

LONDON - The Western European above the neck personal protection equipment (PPE) market is highly competitive with producers vying for greater or larger market share in a slow growing industry. Innovation is a critical success factor for any producer - failure to innovate will push consumers towards cheaper private label products offered by distributors.

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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.chemicals.frost.com), European Markets for Above the Neck PPE, finds that the market earned revenues of over euro 458.2 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach euro 527.5 million in 2014. The product segments covered in this research are industrial helmets, bump caps, fire helmets, general eye protection, welding protection, earplugs, and earmuffs.

“A main market driver is the end-user affinity for comfort and style, both of which encourage the wearer to actually use the protective wear,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Chelsea Rowe. “Product development focused on improving these factors, combined with the provision of higher levels of protection, are critical for success in this market.”

Although providing innovative products is essential for growth, it needs to be done with cost implications in mind. Producers in the above the neck PPE market are constantly receiving feedback from customers about their desire to see the launch of new products. This attitude is especially prevalent at large events such as the main industry trade shows.

“However, when it comes to actual buying, most customers will choose products that they are familiar with and trust,” adds Rowe. “The gap between what the customers want and what they will actually pay for, is an issue for manufacturers involved in product development strategies.”

This trend is exacerbated by the fact that most end-users will ultimately buy from a distributor. Producers invest a lot of time and effort into developing products with the best comfort and ergonomics to attract customers at trade shows. However, when interested customers approach their regular distributor, the distributors can claim that they can supply a similar product from their regular stock at a lower cost. Not surprisingly, in many cases, the customers will opt for this ‘better’ offer.

Increasing brand awareness and educating end users on product benefits will therefore be vital to ensure growth in this market.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at katja.feick@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.

European Markets for Above the Neck PPE is part of the Chemicals & Materials Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Western European Markets for Firefighter PPE, European Markets for Plastics in Medical Devices and European Pulp and Paper Chemicals Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

GIL 2009: Europe

Frost & Sullivan has expanded its flagship Global Congress on Corporate Growth - GIL Global - into several major cities around the world including London. For the first time ever in Europe, Frost & Sullivan will be hosting the Growth, Innovation and Leadership Congress ‘GIL 2009: Europe’ on 19-20 May, at the Sofitel St James in London. GIL Global is the industry’s only event designed to support senior executives in their efforts to achieve sustainable, top-line growth. To register, obtain a programme agenda, explore sponsorship opportunities, or attend as a member of the media for GIL 2009: Europe, please contact Katja Feick, Corporate Communications Europe, at katja.feick@frost.com. One-on-One interviews with Frost & Sullivan senior growth consultants are also being scheduled. For more information you can also visit www.frost.com/gilglobal

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European Markets for Above the Neck PPE M24E Contact: Katja Feick Corporate Communications - Europe P: +49-(0)-69-7703343 E: katja.feick@frost.com www.frost.com

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Katja Feick, Corporate Communications - Europe, +49-(0)-69-7703343, katja.feick at frost.com; Photo : https://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO