The Laboratory Products Association has announced the release of its 2011 North American Survey of Laboratory Purchasing Trends. This valuable trending study has been conducted for the LPA since 2002 by K.C. Associates. This year’s survey was once again co-sponsored by the Society for Laboratory Automation & Screening, formerly the Association for Laboratory Automation.

The detailed survey covers nine product categories, capital & non-capital equipment budgets, workload & personnel changes, outsourcing of specific functions, and other key questions on future spending. The 2011 survey also contains insightful information on the importance of “Green Products” in the lab.

The 2011 survey, which had over 850 respondents from the U.S. and Canada, found solid increases in spending in all product categories compared to 2010. The “consumables” category saw the largest increase (11%) in spending over 2010 with 41% saying they will increase spending in this area.

The survey also found that labs expect to increase the number of personnel in 2011 with 31% indicating they plan to hire more personnel vs. just 19% last year. The predominant factor for the hiring of new personnel is “increased workloads/new projects. In regards to budgets, 28% expect an increase in non-capital equipment budgets (an increase of 9% over 2010) and 30% expect an increase in capital equipment budgets (an increase of 7% over 2010).

In addition, the 2011 survey ask several questions pertaining to the purchasing of “green” products for the laboratory and found a definite shift towards “green” compared to 2008 when these questions were last asked.

“The 2011 survey is certainly very positive and encouraging for LPA members and the industry,” commented LPA President, Clark Mulligan. “This valuable report is another indicator that the industry has rebounded compared to the past couple years.”

K.C. Warawa will present the findings of the 2011 survey at a breakfast presentation on Monday, January 31 during the LabAutomation 2011 show in Palm Springs, California.