22.4% growth in materials handling equipment New Orders in 2010

Material handling equipment orders grew 22.4% in 2010 and are forecast 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 and factory operating rates (utilization) are rapidly improving as demand is shifting from recovery mode to near normal levels,” said Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive consultant. “MHEM will benefit from demand for more efficient use of capacity in warehousing, distribution and manufacturing in the near term and expanding residential and non-residential building sectors in late 2012/early 2013.

In addition, material handling equipment shipments grew 6.1% in 2010 and are forecast to grow 12.0% to 13.0% in 2011/2012. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew 3.6% 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.