Global materials handling sales to reach $104 billion by 2010

Market research firm reports European and U.S. markets will account for 55% of equipment and software revenue.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/12/2008

The global market for materials handling equipment is projected to reach $104 billion by 2010, according to a report issued today by research firm Global Industry Analysts.

The authors of the report say Europe and the United States will continue to be the leading regional markets for materials handling equipment, capturing 55% of global sales. The fast-growing Asia-Pacific market, however, won’t be far behind. Sales there are expected to reach $25 billion in 2009.

Profound growth is expected in India and China, as well as in the developing markets of Russia, Mexico and Turkey.

According to the report, the following will drive sales of materials handling equipment and software over the next few years:

• The trend toward integrating materials handling systems with other enterprise systems
• Demand among online retailers for equipment that can handle smaller packages
• Innovation
• Ergonomics
• Safety
• Environmental concerns