Global motion control shipments contract 3.9% in 2015

Global shipments for motion control products declined by 3.9% to $2.9 billion in 2015, according to new statistics released by the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), the industry’s trade group.

“In 2015 the motion control market experienced a modest decline from 2014 due to a slowing manufacturing sector late in the year and contractions in a few main product categories,” said Alex Shikany, MCMA director of market analysis. “Three of the five largest segments we track, electronic drives (-8.1%), AC drives (-7.4%), and motion controllers (-1.4%) decreased on a year over year basis. Conversely, the largest segment we track, motors (2.6%), saw modest growth in 2015.”

Individually, the fourth quarter of 2015 also decreased on a year over year basis by 7.3% to $709 million. Despite the decline, smaller categories such as AC motors (98.6%) and support services (47.2%) saw growth in the fourth quarter over the previous year.

“MCMA is celebrating their 10th year in 2016. In just this last year we’ve welcomed about one hundred new member companies. This is partially due to our merger with SMMA, an association that focused on motor manufacturers and served a similar audience,” said Dana Whalls, MCMA vice president. “Now we’ll be focusing on ensuring that our market data reports have the real and reliable data that all of our members need. We invite anyone interested in these reports to participate – simply call or email Alex Shikany.”

MCMA summarizes market results from suppliers and distributors in quarterly tracking reports and trend analysis reports. These reports examine orders and shipments by major product category quarterly and annually with helpful tables and graphics. Growth rates and book to bill ratios are provided for each product category. MCMA also provides an economic indicator report, which enables report users to interpret quarterly statistics from the standpoint of macro-economic indicators by individual manufacturing industry, as identified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Click here for more information.