Material Handling Equipment Market Size & Growth Analysis to 2030

Key Findings:

• The market is experiencing a considerable CAGR of around 6% over the forecast period to 2030
• By equipment type, the forklift & lift trucks dominated the market in the benchmark year 2023
• Geographically, the Asia Pacific is accounted to hold the largest market share of over 1/3 market share by the end of the analysis period

The global material handling equipment market is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR of around 6% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. The market is driven by a combination of factors that reflect the evolving needs of various industries and the broader economic landscape. Rapid industrialization and globalization have led to increased demand for efficient and streamlined material handling processes across manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution sectors. Technological advancements, such as automation, robotics, and IoT integration, are reshaping the market by improving efficiency, reducing labor costs, and enhancing safety in material handling operations. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce and the expansion of retail and logistics sectors have fueled the demand for advanced handling equipment to meet the challenges of order fulfillment, inventory management, and last-mile delivery. Moreover, stringent regulations and standards regarding workplace safety, product quality, and environmental sustainability are driving the adoption of innovative material handling solutions that comply with industry requirements.

Market Snapshot:

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Market Trends:

Automation and Robotics Integration: Automation and robotics are revolutionizing material handling operations by introducing advanced technologies like automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic arms, and conveyor systems. These innovative solutions streamline processes, enhance productivity, and minimize human intervention, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective operations across various industries.

Rise of E-commerce and Omnichannel Logistics: With the exponential growth of e-commerce and the increasing complexity of omnichannel logistics, the demand for specialized material handling equipment is on the rise. Companies require adaptable systems capable of managing diverse product types, handling high order volumes, and ensuring timely delivery to meet evolving customer expectations in today’s dynamic marketplace.

Focus on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Sustainability and energy efficiency have become pivotal considerations in the design and development of material handling equipment. Manufacturers are investing in eco-friendly solutions such as electric-powered forklifts, energy-efficient conveyors, and recyclable packaging materials to reduce carbon footprint, conserve resources, and minimize operational costs while aligning with environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals.

Adoption of IoT and Real-time Data Analytics: The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and real-time data analytics is transforming material handling operations into smart and data-driven processes. IoT sensors and connected devices collect valuable operational data, enabling businesses to gain insights, optimize workflows, predict maintenance needs, and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance throughout the supply chain.

Modular and Scalable Solutions: Modular and scalable material handling solutions offer businesses the flexibility and agility needed to adapt to evolving operational requirements. These customizable systems, comprising modular conveyor systems, flexible warehouse layouts, and scalable robotic solutions, empower organizations to efficiently manage fluctuating demand, accommodate growth, and optimize space utilization while minimizing upfront investment and operational disruption.

Market Opportunities:

The material handling equipment market presents a myriad of opportunities for stakeholders across various industries. One significant opportunity lies in the integration of advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Manufacturers can capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions by developing eco-friendly material handling equipment powered by renewable energy sources or utilizing energy-saving technologies. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel logistics offers opportunities for companies to provide specialized equipment tailored to meet the unique challenges of order fulfillment, inventory management, and last-mile delivery. As businesses focus on building resilient supply chains in the wake of global disruptions, there is a growing need for material handling equipment that can adapt to changing market dynamics and ensure continuity of operations. Moreover, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa present untapped opportunities for expansion and market penetration, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development initiatives.

Market Challenges:

While the material handling equipment market offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation, it also faces several challenges. One prominent challenge is the rapid pace of technological advancements, which necessitates continuous investment in research and development to stay competitive. Additionally, the integration of complex technologies such as automation and robotics requires significant upfront investment and expertise, posing barriers to entry for smaller players. Furthermore, the industry is subject to stringent regulatory requirements and safety standards, which can increase compliance costs and complexity. Economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions also pose challenges to market stability and growth.

Market Insights:

The global material handling equipment market is bifurcated into equipment type, end-use industry, and geography. On the basis of equipment type, the market is further segmented into cranes & hoists, conveyors, forklifts & lift trucks, storage & handling equipment, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The forklifts and lift trucks stand out as the dominant segment in the material handling equipment market due to their indispensable role across a spectrum of industries. These versatile machines are instrumental in the smooth functioning of manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and construction sites, where they undertake crucial tasks such as lifting heavy loads, stacking inventory, and transporting materials with precision and efficiency. Their ubiquity stems from their ability to cater to diverse operational needs, from handling palletized goods in logistics facilities to maneuvering through narrow aisles in retail warehouses, making them essential tools in modern supply chain management.

The dominance of forklifts and lift trucks is further underscored by the convergence of several key factors driving their demand. The exponential growth of e-commerce and the subsequent surge in online shopping have propelled the need for robust material handling equipment to manage the influx of goods in fulfillment centers and distribution hubs. Additionally, advancements in forklift technology, particularly the shift towards electric-powered models, have not only enhanced performance and reliability but also addressed environmental concerns, aligning with sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, stringent safety regulations and standards necessitate the adoption of forklifts equipped with advanced safety features, ensuring compliance and fostering a secure working environment.

The material handling equipment market research report presents the analysis of each segment from 2020 to 2030 considering 2023 as the base year for the research. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for each respective segment is calculated for the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

Historical & Forecast Period

• 2020-22 – Historical Year
• 2023 – Base Year
• 2024-2030 – Forecast Period

Market Segmentation:

By Equipment Type:

• Cranes & Hoists
• Conveyors
• Forklifts & Lift Trucks
• Storage & Handling Equipment
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)

By End-Use Industry:

• Food & Beverages
• Automotive
• Electronics
• Aerospace
• E-commerce
• Chemical
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Regional Analysis:

Geographically, the Asia Pacific dominated the global material henadling equipment market in 2023 and accounted to hold the largest revenue share of over 1/3 market share. The Asia-Pacific boasts the largest market size in terms of both production and consumption of material handling equipment. The region’s robust manufacturing sector, particularly in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India, drives substantial demand for material handling equipment to support industrial operations, warehousing activities, and logistics infrastructure. The presence of key industries such as automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and e-commerce fuels the need for efficient material handling solutions to handle the movement and storage of goods within manufacturing plants and distribution centers.

Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific exhibits the highest growth rate in the material handling equipment market, attributed to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and economic development across the region. Increasing investments in infrastructure projects, including the development of transportation networks, logistics hubs, and smart warehouses, drive the adoption of advanced material handling technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity. Moreover, the growing emphasis on automation, robotics, and digitization in manufacturing and logistics operations further accelerates the demand for innovative material handling solutions, positioning Asia-Pacific as a key growth engine for the market.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific benefits from a favorable regulatory environment, supportive government policies, and investments in research and development, fostering innovation and technological advancement in the material handling equipment sector. Additionally, the region’s expanding e-commerce market and rising consumer demand for fast and reliable delivery services drive investments in warehouse automation and fulfillment solutions, driving further growth in the material handling equipment market.

Competitive Landscape:

Some of the prominent market players operating in the global material handling equipment market are BEUMER GROUP, Daifuku Co., Ltd., Honeywell International, Inc., KION GROUP AG, and Mecalux, S.A. Companies are exploring markets by expansion, new investment, the introduction of new services, and collaboration as their preferred strategies. Players are exploring new geography through expansion and acquisition to gain a competitive advantage through joint synergy.

Key Companies:

• BEUMER GROUP
• Daifuku Co., Ltd.
• Honeywell International, Inc.
• KION GROUP AG
• Mecalux, S.A.
• Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
• SSI SCHAEFER
• Swisslog Holding AG
• TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
• Vanderlande Industries B.V.

Key Questions Answered by Material Handling Equipment Market Report

• Global material handling equipment market forecasts from 2024-2030
• Regional market forecasts from 2024-2030 covering Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America
• Country-level forecasts from 2024-2030 covering 15 major countries from the regions as mentioned above
• Material handling equipment submarket forecasts from 2024-2030 covering the market by equipment type, end-use industry, and geography
• Various industry models such as SWOT analysis, Value Chain Analysis about the market
• Analysis of the key factors driving and restraining the growth of the global, regional, and country-level material handling equipment markets from 2024-2030
• Competitive Landscape and market positioning of top 10 players operating in the market