US Pressure Sensing Markets See Two Bright Spots

In addition to life sciences, automotive applications are expected to offer pressure component suppliers solid bookings opportunities. "One of the highest growth prospects, both in rate of growth and total dollar volume, is expected for automotive vehicle application of pressure transducers. Auto makers, and their subsystem suppliers, are incorporating pressure sensing in a wide range of new applications," says Jim Taylor, Director of VDC's Industrial Automation and Control Practice.

Natick, Massachusetts - February 19, 2003 - Demand for pressure transmitters and transducers is strong in the US life sciences and automotive markets.

According to Venture Development Corporation (VDC), the life sciences market, including biotech and pharmaceutical segments, is expected to grow faster than any other market segment consuming pressure transmitters and transducers. According to Jim Taylor, Director of VDC's Industrial Automation and Control Practice, "More than $40 billion in spent annually on biotech and pharmaceutical industry research. That spending includes a wide range of test, instrumentation and process control equipment incorporating pressure transmitters."

Additional drivers of this demand include:
1. Biotech industry investment in research and development equipment and programs incorporating pressure sensing, monitoring and control requirements;
2. Biotech industry development of commercial systems and subsystems that include the use of pressure transmitters and transducers; and
3. Pharmaceutical industry investments, in R&D and process control equipment.

In addition to life sciences, automotive applications are expected to offer pressure component suppliers solid bookings opportunities. "One of the highest growth prospects, both in rate of growth and total dollar volume, is expected for automotive vehicle application of pressure transducers. Auto makers, and their subsystem suppliers, are incorporating pressure sensing in a wide range of new applications," says Taylor.

One example of these systems, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS), is gaining popularity as the U.S. government tries to mandate tire pressure standards. The 2000 Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation Act (TREAD) states that all new vehicles must meet a tire monitor standard by the fall of 2003. In a TMPS, drivers are notified of low tire pressure, and even maintaining tire pressure in some systems. Car makes such as Ford and General Motors are currently installing these systems in their flagship models.

ABOUT VDC

Founded in 1971, VDC is a technology market research and consulting firm that specializes in industrial and commercial electronics, computing, communications, software and power systems markets.

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Report Availability
www.vdc-corp.com/components/works/br02-38.html

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For further information about "The U.S. Pressure Transducer, Transmitter and Sensor Industry", contact:

Jim Taylor, Group Manager - jimt@vdc-corp.com
508-653-9000, ext. 121

Marc Regberg, Senior Vice President - msr@vdc-corp.com
508-653-9000, ext. 111

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