Day 3 of Productronica brought steady traffic that, while still somewhat behind years past, was a relief to still-anxious exhibitors.

Almost across the board, the more than 80 companies we spoke with see 2010 already emerging as a brighter year. The strong consensus is that the worst is past, and while there remain certain structural problems — including major banks’ inability or refusal to reopen credit lines — business is picking up in most sectors, led — perhaps surprisingly — by automotive.