“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 percent in 2013 and are forecasted to grow 4.5 percent to 5.0 percent in 2014 and 9.0 percent to 11.0 percent in 2015. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew 8.3 percent in 2013 and are forecasted to grow just over 4.5 percent to 6 percent in 2014 and 11.0 percent in 2015.

Import growth in 2013 was 3.9 percent, down from 17.9 percent in 2012. Export growth was flat in 2013, down from 12.4 percent in 2012. MHEM Imports are forecasted to grow 6.0 percent in 2014 and 9.0 percent in 2015. Exports are expected to rebound modestly beginning mid-2014 to grow 4.0 percent and continue to grow in 2015 around 6.0 percent.

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.

Read Full Article