Extrusion survey results available online

The results of Canadian Plastics first ever Pipe and Profile Extrusion Benchmark Survey are now available on the Canadian Plastics website, and shed valuable light on the sizes, profit levels, manufacturing markets, wage rates, purchasing intentions and much more of Canadas extrusion manufacturers.

The survey, consisting of 30 questions, was emailed in April 2007 to approximately 375 readers at pipe and profile extrusion facilities throughout Canada. There were 42 respondents, giving a response rate of 11%.

Slightly more than half of the respondents reported shipping at least 50% of their plants product outside Canada, although a large majority (85%) indicated their company had not established a presence in either the Chinese or the Indian markets. This stands in contrast to the results of 2007 Canadian Plastics Injection Molders Benchmark survey, in which almost half of the respondents indicated their company either had or was planning to initiate a business venture in those countries.

In regards to purchasing patterns, two-thirds of respondents indicated that their plants had not purchased new extrusion equipment within the past 12 months. Seventy-three per cent of respondents indicated their facility had no plans to purchase any new extruders within the next 12 months.

The desire to invest in training, and in research and development (R&D), seems strong in the Canadian extrusion industry. More than half of the respondents indicated their company budgeted 5% or more on expenses for employee training, while almost 75% reported spending 5% or more on product R&D.

The complete results of the Pipe and Profile Extrusion Benchmark Survey can be found at www.canplastics.com/survey/extarchives.asp.