The year in review

Abstract

This article is a preparation for the INDA-sponsored Filtration Show, held in 2002 in Washington D. C. The author sees a difficult year ahead for many companies as the effect of Sep 11 goes on, the economic downward trend continues and the future continues to be uncertain. Survival is the issue for many in the filtration industry, rather than growth as many customers cut back on maintenance expenditure by making filters last longer or extending replacement periods. In the last year fewer innovations have been evident as research and development expenditure is reduced. Some consolidation has been witnessed in the industry. New technology continues to make an impact on the industry, as the does US Environmental Protection Agency regulation on particulate output of diesel engines that is likely to lead toward more expensive filtration systems both on and off the road.