MHI: Materials handling equipment new orders forecasted to grow 8% to 9%

Material handling equipment new orders grew 8.8% in 2013, and the outlook for 2014 and 2015 is for growth of 8.0% to 9.0%, according to the latest Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast (MHEM) released by MHI.

“We are optimistic about future outcomes and expect economic fundamentals to favorably support MHEM expansion through 2014 and 2015,” says Hal Vandiver, MHI executive consultant.

In addition, material handling equipment shipments grew 7.8% in 2013 and are forecasted to grow 5.5% in 2014 and 9.9% in 2015. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew 8.6% in 2013 and are forecasted to grow just 5.4% in 2014 and 9.9% in 2015.

Import growth in 2013 was 3.0%, down from 17.9% in 2012. Export growth was flat in 2013, down from 11.2% in 2012. MHEM Imports and Exports are expected to rebound modestly beginning in mid-2014 and continue to grow in 2015.

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