After a 37.4-percent contraction in 2009, orders for material handling equipment are projected to grow 6 to 8.5 percent in 2010 by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

"Industrial production activity is increasing even though factory operating rates (utilization) remain very low by historical comparison," says Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive vice president of business development. "MHIA believes that demand created as the economy shifts from recession into recovery mode (filling supply chain pipelines, re-establishing inventories, and responding to pent-up demand) is the principal impetus for improvement over the next few quarters in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution."

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

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