18.0% Growth in Material Handling Equipment New Orders in 2010

by Press Release on 2011-01-23

MHIA forecasts growth in the 11.0 to 12.0% range for 2011/2012

Material handling equipment orders grew 18.0% in 2010 and are forecasted to grow 11.0-12.0% in 2011/2012, according to the latest Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast (MHEM) released by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

“Industrial Production activity is increasing even though factory operating rates (utilization) remain very low by historical comparison," said Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive consultant. "Demand created as the economy has shifted from recession into recovery mode (filling supply chain pipelines, re-establishing inventories, and responding to pent up demand) has been the principal impetus for improvement over the last few quarters in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution.”

"Material handling equipment manufacturers will benefit from improved consumer and Investor confidence (economic stability, predictability), healthy corporate profits in the near term and expanding residential and nonresidential building sectors in late 2012."

In addition, material handling equipment shipments grew 6.0% to 7.0% in 2010 and are forecasted to grow 11.0% to 12.0% in 2011/2012. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew 3.0% to 4.0% in 2010. Domestic demand will likely will mirror shipment growth in 2011 and exports will be stronger than imports in 2011.

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 2011 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.

Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) (704) 676-1190/800-345-1815. cmiller@mhia.org