Price pressure and a lack of safety directives means Asia can be a tough market to penetrate. However, influence from multi-national companies, as well as realization from local end users that safety is linked to productivity, means more machine builders are using safety components more often, boosting their market potential. Regardless of the greater realizations of the benefits of safety, it's still seen as an unnecessary expense by some. Therefore, simpler and cheaper safety components are still more preferable in Asia. Indeed safety relays, basic interlock switches and type 2 light curtains are estimated to be considerably more common than their more complex equivalents. Safety standards are not yet established in countries like China, but they're on their way. It seems likely they will be based on European standards, which is beneficial for European vendors operating in Asia. They're less likely to need to modify their product range. If these standards come to fruition, it will mean a huge boost for the safety component market in Asia.
Also Read: Infographic: Which Safety Components Does Your Machine Have?
Safety relays offer the lowest cost form of controlling safety and, Japan aside, Asian revenues are projected to grow more quickly than those of configurable safety modules and safety PLCs. Japan is a much more mature market, in line with western regions, and so higher-end safety equipment is more common, but, as the Japanese economy remains flat, this does not boost the market much.
Globally, safety-component revenue growth is forecast to continue to grow above that of industrial growth. The realization of cost savings through integration of safety is evident. Reducing potential for accidents means less downtime and injuries, which improves productivity and reduces outlays. Overall, the future is strong for safety components, and Asia is proving to be a large potential market.
