Protective Equipment Suppliers Can Expect Growth in Emerging African Markets, Finds Frost & Sullivan

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -

Managing product cost fluctuations, competition from low-cost imports and increased labour costs are common challenges for all suppliers of consumable products in South Africa. For many protective equipment suppliers, however, these challenges are outweighed by sustained activity in the construction and mining industries.

(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.chemicals.frost.com), South African Personal Protective Equipment Market, finds that the market earned revenues of US$521.3 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach US$814.7 million in 2015. The following markets are covered in the research: above-the-neck personal protective equipment (PPE), protective clothing, respiratory protective equipment, protective gloves and protective footwear.

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 Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at patrick.cairns@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 brief brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.

“Current and planned infrastructural development activity in emerging markets has set the course for sustained demand,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Naasir Roomanay. “The positive outlook of suppliers shows how well the market is performing despite the economic crisis. While some suppliers have witnessed tremendous declines in sales, many look forward to upcoming opportunities.”

Current infrastructural development in Africa includes energy-related projects, transport and general infrastructural development. In South Africa, development for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is also a major contributor to general infrastructure.

“While many of these projects are currently underway, Frost & Sullivan anticipates continued infrastructural growth up to 2030,” Roomanay says. “Growth in protective equipment demand will increase with these developments.”

While the slowing economy has had a significant impact on the market, the lack of enforcement of safety regulations by government is also a major concern to suppliers. The general increasing awareness of safety by both employers and employees is however contributing to demand.

Most PPE suppliers in the South African market have secured contracts and have long-established partnerships. The challenge now is for these suppliers to gain access to opportunities in other emerging markets in Africa with some suppliers already making a mark.

“Securing growth for protective equipment suppliers is challenging because the market is well established and many suppliers hold strong relationships with end users,” Roomanay says. “New opportunities, in South Africa and abroad, should be the focus of companies looking to expand. Securing supply to development projects in sub-Saharan Africa offers strong potential for growth.”

South African Personal Protective Equipment Market is part of the Chemicals & Materials Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: South African Industrial Paint and Coatings Market and South African Engineering Plastics Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit www.frost.com.

South African Personal Protective Equipment Market M431 Contact: Patrick Cairns Corporate Communications - Africa P: +27-18-468-2315 E: patrick.cairns@frost.com www.frost.com

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa of Frost & Sullivan, +27-18-468-2315, patrick.cairns at frost.com