THE MACHINE TOOL SECTOR IS FACING UP WITH DETERMINATION TO ONE OF THE WORST ECONOMIC SITUATIONS IN MEMORY The Sector, which recorded a very sharp fall in demand in the last six months, is launching its new Strategic Plan 2009-12 in order to tackle the complicated future in sight with confidence. 2008 ended with 0.9% growth and a turnover of 1.06 billion euros (final figures), mainly thanks to a strong increase in exports which rose by 18.4% to account for 736 million euros, which have offset the increasing weakness in demand. <...> Koldo Arandia, the Chairman of the AFM, made the following assessment: "The good start to the year and the big order books we had allowed us to maintain the sector's production figures in 2008. <...> However, the last six months since September have marked a turning point, in which we experienced a strong deterioration in demand, and a very marked decline in new orders. <...> The panorama has changed radically for everyone and we have to be able to come up with the right measures to get through this in the short, medium and long term". <...> The general panorama for all producer countries is very similar and the fall in demand is widespread across the markets and in the great majority of customer sectors. 2009 is certainly going to be a year of significant contraction in all areas, and its true dimension will be determined by how long the difficulties last in the different economies and the sectors that drive them. <...> Koldo Arandia went on: "Although it is not something we like, the sector has extensive experience in tackling and overcoming crises. <...> Our track record has shown that we have sufficient ability to adopt the measures to take us forward. <...> In this time of uncertainty, the machine tool sector is constantly doing its homework. <...> In response to those who recommend innovation and internationalisation in order to be able to be competitive, the sector is dedicating on average 6% of its turnover to R&D&i activities and exported in 2008 almost 70% of its production. <...> I am fully confident that these two strengths, together with close collaboration with our suppliers, customers and the government are going to be the key to our recovery." The final data for year <...>