MHIA Optimistic Following Latest Forecast

United States material handling equipment orders grew an estimated 15.2 percent in 2011 and are forecasted to grow 8.0 percent in 2012 and 12.0 percent in 2013, according to the latest Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing (MHEM) forecast released by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

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

“Consumers and investors are regaining confidence in economic conditions,” said Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive consultant. “Given slow GDP growth for the next few quarters, there are anticipated improvements in unemployment, industrial production activity and factory operating rates (utilization) that will impact MHEM positively. Additionally, housing is making a rebound that will contribute greatly to sustained growth through 2014.”

In addition, material handling equipment shipments grew an estimated 17.1 percent in 2011 and are forecasted to grow 9.0 percent in 2012 and 11.0 percent in 2013. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew an estimated 18.4 percent in 2011 and will likely mirror shipment growth in 2012, 2013 and 2014.