Sensor Technology, the UK manufacturer of wireless torque sensors scored a double whammy when it exhibited at this year’s Hanover Messe, finding several potential new clients and also signing up two new distributors for Mexico and Ecuador.
Sales Manager Mark Ingham says he usually finds new customers at the Messe, and as often as not the general networking also proves fruitful.
“This year we had several enquiries for live projects, people with torque sensing requirements that need addressing straightaway,” he says. “These were on top of the more usual longer term prospects that we see at German exhibitions.”
Even more unusually Sensor Technology found distributors for two Central American countries. Investors are currently very optimistic about the underlying strength in Mexico’s political and economic outlook. The current government is market-oriented and is striving to improve the competitiveness of its exporting manufacturers, rather than just serving the needs of its domestic economy. Last year Mexico’s economic growth was slightly slower than expected, but that should be made up during 2015, forecasters believe, and it should outperform the global economy as a whole.
In fact Mexico has a strong base for exporting manufactured goods, with a lot of focus on the United States where the manufacturing sector has reduced in recent decades. It is also benefiting from ties with Brazil, where the long term economic trend is upwards.
Ingham again: “Like many economies emerging onto the global arena, Mexico started out as a low cost manufacturer serving the basic needs of its mighty neighbour. But it is now moving to the next stage by developing the quality of its goods and building up the expertise of its engineers. This means that the value potential of its manufacturing exports increases markedly and its production capabilities become more self-determining. Ecuador will be following a similar track to this.”
This is an ideal time for Sensor Technology to enter the Central American markets with its high tech sensors. To improve product quality, more testing is needed and test rigs are major users of sensors.
“In fact we had done our homework and identified some potential distributors in both Central and South America before we left and had arranged to meet at Hanover. Hopefully we will develop our presence in these regions steadily over the coming years.”
