Material handling equipment new orders grew 8.8% in 2013 and are forecasted to grow 8.0-9.0% for 2014 and 2015, 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 4.5-5.0% in 2014 and 9.0-10.0% in 2015. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew 8.6% in 2013 and are forecasted to grow just over 7.0% in 2014 and 10.0% in 2015.

Import growth in 2013 was 3.9%, down from 17.9% in 2012. Export growth was flat in 2013, down from 12.4% 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.

Download the complete forecast.

MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling and logistics industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling, logistics and supply chain equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific Industry Groups. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.