Electronics manufacturers are not out of the wood yet
The last year was a tough one for the electronics market, since the global crisis was still perhaps at its hardest last year. In 2013 “stagnation” was the keyword for some companies, “solidification” for others, and “we are not out of the wood yet” was the general feeling for many.
Japan-based Clarion Hungary, which makes multimedia devices for autos, was struck not only by the global crisis but also the tsunami in 2012. Still, it had better results than expected. Since the car industry is suffering as well, making multimedia for automobiles is a shaky business. In 2013 results are expected to be almost the same for the manufacturer, and Clarion Hungary expects “stable” stagnation next year as well.
Zsolt Belényesi, director of Electrolux Domestic Division told the Budapest Business Journal that the trend of declining sales of household appliances continued in 2012 but was “only” a 7% decrease. He compared 2012 to 2008 and stated that the market in large household appliances had halved from 2008. Inflationary VAT increases affected prices and the new system of waste management wasn’t good for the marker either. “Still Electrolux group augmented its market share in 2012 and thus we are still market leaders,” Belényesi told the BBJ. In 2013 a small increase in sales would be felt. The new prices of the waste management system are still causing problems for Electrolux. The company didn’t want to comment on next year.
Crisis remains a challenge
On the other hand, the crisis hadn’t held back the Debrecen factory of Texas-based company National Instruments. “We closed the 2012 fiscal year with a record income, thanks to our ever increasing product range, which means, we are constantly making new types of products,” László Ábrahám, manager of National Instruments told the BBJ. “Our high frequency products are also successful, thanks to the excellent work of the research and development, and the production teams,” he added. According to Ábrahám, National Instruments also expanded globally in 2012, the numbers in the R&D and sales departments increased all over the world. National Instruments also made a technological roadmap plan, with the goal to keep in touch with new technologies and to react accordingly. Still, in 2013, the global crisis remained a challenge for the company, and, according to Ábrahám, holds back NI’s developmental dynamics.
When it comes to hiring, Ábrahám says that it is difficult to find suitable specialists for certain positions, especially in the field of engineering. “Secondary and higher education has many problems, and this badly effects the knowledge of the graduates in our field as well,” Ábrahám commented. In 2014 NI will proceed with a big project: the company will reinforce its R&D department and will build new laboratories. The project includes a 300-person office investment and the acquisition of devices that are specialized in experimentation.
Gergely Herpai
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