Managing product cost fluctuations, competition from low-cost imports and
increased labour costs are common challenges for all suppliers of consumable
products in South Africa. For many protective equipment suppliers, however,
these challenges are outweighed by sustained activity in the construction and
mining industries.



    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)



    New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.chemicals.frost.com),
South African Personal Protective Equipment Market, finds that the market
earned revenues of US$521.3 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach
US$814.7 million in 2015. The following markets are covered in the research:
above-the-neck personal protective equipment (PPE), protective clothing,
respiratory protective equipment, protective gloves and protective footwear.



    If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief
synopsis of the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to
Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at patrick.cairns@frost.com, with
your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail
address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above
information, a brief brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.



    "Current and planned infrastructural development activity in emerging
markets has set the course for sustained demand," notes Frost & Sullivan
Research Analyst Naasir Roomanay. "The positive outlook of suppliers shows
how well the market is performing despite the economic crisis. While some
suppliers have witnessed tremendous declines in sales, many look forward to
upcoming opportunities."



    Current infrastructural development in Africa includes energy-related
projects, transport and general infrastructural development. In South Africa,
development for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is also a major contributor to
general infrastructure.



    "While many of these projects are currently underway, Frost & Sullivan
anticipates continued infrastructural growth up to 2030," Roomanay says.
"Growth in protective equipment demand will increase with these
developments."



    While the slowing economy has had a significant impact on the market, the
lack of enforcement of safety regulations by government is also a major
concern to suppliers. The general increasing awareness of safety by both
employers and employees is however contributing to demand.



    Most PPE suppliers in the South African market have secured contracts and
have long-established partnerships. The challenge now is for these suppliers
to gain access to opportunities in other emerging markets in Africa with some
suppliers already making a mark.



    "Securing growth for protective equipment suppliers is challenging
because the market is well established and many suppliers hold strong
relationships with end users," Roomanay says. "New opportunities, in South
Africa and abroad, should be the focus of companies looking to expand.
Securing supply to development projects in sub-Saharan Africa offers strong
potential for growth."



    South African Personal Protective Equipment Market is part of the
Chemicals & Materials Growth Partnership Services programme, which also
includes research in the following markets: South African Industrial Paint
and Coatings Market and South African Engineering Plastics Market. All
research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and
industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with
market participants.



    Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to
accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation
and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and
the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to
drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth
strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in
partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment
community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth
Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.


    
               South African Personal Protective Equipment Market
                                      M431

    Contact:
    Patrick Cairns
    Corporate Communications - Africa
    P: +27-18-468-2315
    E: patrick.cairns@frost.com

    http://www.frost.com



Source: Frost & Sullivan

Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa of Frost & Sullivan, +27-18-468-2315, patrick.cairns@frost.com