It's not always easy to find an upside in adversity, but many of the manufacturers exhibiting at CeMAT Asia last week seem to be finding positives in the current down-turn. A number of the exhibitors are predicting a shake-out in the industry which will rid a cluttered market of some of the poorer performers. A number of players will also be taking a long, hard look at their current range and focusing on the products and services that are performing poorly. And others will be using the lull to refine and improve internal processes. The overall feeling is that while the slowdown is not a good thing, it may not be such a bad thing - if handled correctly. One thing for sure is that those companies which make it through the tough times will emerge stronger, leaner and more agile - attributes which will further secure their long-term prosperity.