The positive result is mainly based on the enormous growth of the German market. The sales revenues achieved in Germany alone increased to about 2.9 billion euros (up more than ten percent). Foreign sales increased by 5.5% in 2008, with sales worth 3.3 billion euros. The positive sales development also led to an increase in jobs. About 35,000 people were employed in the sector, which is about 4.6% more people than in 2007. “For 2009, the sector is cautiously optimistic,” said Sven Behrens, head of SPECTARIS. The industry association expects the market to cool off, but does not expect a massive collapse. SPECTARIS expects the domestic sales to be about the same as last year and foreign sales to increase slightly. “We assume that the market will grow slightly in 2009,” said Behrens who expects positive impulses from the state, but a decrease in the chemical sector. SPECTARIS is also optimistic in terms of employment in 2009 and assumes that the number of people employed in the analytical, bio- and laboratory technology sector will increase by one percent.