Aggregates equipment sales slated for rebound

Hopefully, construction-equipment manufacturers have an accurate crystal ball. According to the annual Construction Equipment Outlook 2010 survey of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, respondents anticipate an increase in aggregates-equipment sales starting this year. Sales in the U.S. are expected to increase 5 percent in 2010, 14.8 percent in 2011 and a very healthy 20.3 percent in 2012. The survey forecast is based on washing equipment, screens, feeders, crushers and conveyors. Aggregates equipment sales in the U.S. will outpace Canada and the rest of the world for the next three years, the survey indicates. Key factors that survey respondents believe will influence equipment sales going forward include the state of the overall economy, credit availability, interest rates, consumer confidence, housing starts and highway funding levels. Other major factors are the strength of the U.S. dollar and international business. -- Posted by Mark S. Kuhar