Manufacturing industry remains positive about investments

• Investments expected to grow 7 percent in 2012
• Investment growth rate more than 20 percent in 2011 relative to 2010

According to a survey conducted by Statistics Netherlands, manufacturers anticipate investments to grow by 7 percent this year. Six months ago, they anticipated a 5 percent investment growth rate for 2012.

The most important branches within the sector manufacturing industry estimate investment growth for 2012. With an anticipated growth rate of 23 percent, manufacturers of food, drinks and tobacco products are most positive.

Refinery companies and producers of chemical products are also optimistic. They expect investments to grow by 10 percent in 2012, the second highest within the manufacturing industry sector. Last year, investments made by refinery companies and producers of chemical products exceeded 2.4 billion euro.

With more than 2.5 billion euro, the largest amount was invested by manufacturing companies in the metal and engineering industry in 2011. They expect investments to be at around the same level in 2012.

Altogether, manufacturing companies invested more than 7.2 billion euro last year, i.e. an increase by 20 percent relative to 2010. The highest investment growth rate (38 percent) was realised by refinery companies and the chemical industry. The metal and engineering industry accounted for a growth rate of 22 percent in 2011.