15.2% Growth in Material Handling Equipment New Orders in 2011

by Press Release on 2012-01-22

MHIA forecasts growth of 8.0% for 2012 and 12.0% in 2013Friday, January 20, 2012Material handling equipment orders grew an estimated 15.2% in 2011 and are forecasted to grow 8.0% in 2012 and 12.0% in 2013, according to the latest Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast (MHEM) released by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

“Consumers and Investors are regaining confidence in economic conditions," said Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive consultant. "Given slow GDP growth for the next few quarters, there are anticipated improvements in unemployment, industrial production activity and factory operating rates (utilization) that will impact MHEM positively. Additionally, housing is making a rebound that will contribute greatly to sustained growth through 2014."

In addition, material handling equipment shipments grew an estimated 17.1% in 2011 and are forecasted to grow 9.0% in 2012 and 11.0% in 2013. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew an estimated 18.4% in 2011 and will likely mirror shipment growth in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The MHEM forecast of material handling equipment manufacturing is released each quarter by MHIA and looks 12 to 18 months forward to anticipate changes in the material handling and logistics marketplace.

Download the complete forecast.

MHIA is an international trade association that has represented the material handling and logistics industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling and logistics industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific Industry Groups. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat 2013 and MODEX 2012 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing, distribution and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

Article Coutresy of Material Handling Industry of America