Global motion control shipments increased 9% in 2014

Global shipments for motion control products grew by 9% to $3.05 billion in 2014, according to new statistics released by the Motion Control Association (MCA), the industry’s trade group.

The news follows a September report from MCA that indicated 6.2% growth in the first half of 2014.

“We saw each statistical category except support and services grow in 2014,” said Alex Shikany, MCA director of market analysis. “Motion controllers remained the hottest product category, growing 34% to $152 million in 2014, while actuators and mechanical systems also had a strong year, increasing 12% to $467 million. Some other notable growth rates were sensors and feedback devices at 11% to $116 million, and AC drives at 10% to $365 million.”

MCA’s most recent survey of motion control manufacturers revealed that 72% of respondents believe that total shipments of motion control products will remain flat in the first half of 2015, 27% believe the market will increase, and 1% expect it to decline.

“We’ll get a chance to see some of results of a successful 2014 first hand in the form of new motion control products at the upcoming Automate 2015 show,” said Dana Whalls, vice president of MCA, a part of the Association for Advancing Automation, which organizes the show. “Automate’s growth has been outstanding; the show is 76% larger than the last show and motion control is a big part of that growth. The show is free to attend and is a great way to take the pulse of the motion control and automation industry.”

Whalls noted that in addition to the leading motion control and automation exhibits at the show, there is a full educational conference, interesting automation discussion groups right on the show floor, keynote speakers (including Steve Wozniak) and fun networking parties. The show is March 23-26, 2015 at McCormick Place in Chicago. More information is available at the Automate Show website.