Oct 28 2010
The global economic downturn affected all the segments across the material handling equipment market in 2009.
The market, though showing signs of improvement, is estimated to register a negative growth for 2010 as well, though at a relatively lower rate compared to that of 2009. The market outlook, however, is positive with the global demand for material handling equipment forecasted to regain from 2011. The material handling systems industry is portended to witness a rise in demand driven by mining, manufacturing, and power industries. The coal-mining sector is expected to keep the demand for coal handling equipment up and running. Specialized bulk material handling equipment continues to remain key equipment in the mining industry.
Europe represents the largest regional market for material handling equipment worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Material Handling Equipment. The US represents the single largest market for material handling equipment worldwide. However, growth is expected to emanate mainly from developing markets of Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, supported by the manufacturing boom in these countries.
In terms of product type, conventional equipment segment is well established, and constitutes the largest market segment. While the demand for conventional handling equipment is expected to continue, advanced equipment are expected to grow in popularity across developed world. Advanced and automated equipment such as automated guided vehicles, robots; and software and other services such as project management and system design are expected to drive growth and sales in the overall market. Apart from enhancing productivity, such equipment can be easily integrated into automated factory and warehouse environment.
Segment-wise, Industrial Trucks and Lifts represent the largest segment. Following an upbeat journey until the third quarter 2008, sales of lift trucks began to decline significantly worldwide owing to the economic slump. However, the market for lift truck is expected to gain momentum from 2011. Sales of Conveying Systems are also expected to pick up and are projected to reach US$29 billion by 2012. Automated Equipment represents the fastest growing segment.
The material handling industry is presently witnessing a key trend of building smaller yet smarter material handling equipment. Electronic intelligence is being incorporated into material handling equipment, with features such as upgraded software, distributed control functions, touch screen interfaces, and other such features. Considered completely an in-house operation in the past, Third Party Logistic (3PL) providers are now carrying out material handling operations. An increase in cross-company collaborations is observed due to concurrent movement of information and goods and integrated supply chains. In the following years, the material handling industry is expected to observe more green initiatives. The industry is oriented towards material handling systems that are environmentally responsible, produce less noise, and reduce emission levels.
More than 1,200 companies participated in the manufacture and sale of material handling equipment and systems the world over as of 2007. However, only a few powerful players, mostly those based in Europe, Japan, or the United States, control the global production. Major players profiled in the report include Beumer Maschinenfabrik GmbH, Clark Material Handling Company, Columbus McKinnon Corp., Daifuku Co., Ltd., Dematic GmbH & Co. KG, Dürr AG, FKI Plc, Ingersoll-Rand Plc, Liebherr Group, Lockheed Martin Corp., Manitou Group, Manitowoc Company Inc., NACCO Materials Handling Group, Paccar Inc., Sandvik Materials Handling, TCM Corp., WITRON Logistik + Informatik GmbH, SSI Schaefer GMBH, among others.
The report titled “Material Handling Equipment: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the material handling equipment markets, impact of recession on the markets, current market trends, key growth drivers, recent product introductions, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report analyzes market data and analytics for the following geographic markets - US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Latin America. Key segments analyzed include Conveying Equipment, Industrial Trucks and Lifts, Hoists Cranes and Monorails, and Automated Material Handling Equipment. A six-year (2001-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.