Motion control market continues upward trend
SEPTEMBER 30, 2008--According to a new Trend Analysis prepared by the Motion Control Association (MCA; www.motioncontrolonline.org), the market is up significantly in 1Q08 compared to the same quarter one year earlier. For the market as a whole, motion control (MC) product orders were up 18.8% over 1Q07. Shipments also achieved double-digit growth at 11.2%. The organization notes these results come at a time of weakness in the overall manufacturing sector of North America, as measured by such indicators as the Institute for Supply Management's PMI (Purchasing Managers Index). However, MC products used in automation are in demand and rising due to the desire for improving capital efficiency, reducing labor costs, and replacement of obsolete mechanical equipment with more versatile equipment.
The Trend Analysis presents the relative size of all product segments comprising the MC market and also the performance rates. Segments include motion controllers (positioners), electronic drives (amplifiers), AC drives (inverter/vectors), motors (DC/AC servomotors), AC motors (induction), actuators and mechanical systems (mechanical drivers, gearboxes, etc.), sensors and feedback devices, other ancillary components, and support and services.
The abbreviated version of the analysis consists of four pages presenting a summary of shipment data, and is available to all MCA members. The full version is more comprehensive, containing 14 pages of order and shipment data analyzed with tables/charts presenting dollars, distribution by product, quarterly category sales, and book-to-bill ratios. To receive the full version, members report company data every quarter to MCA under the protection of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). MCA displays only aggregated, industry-wide data in its reports.
MCA president John Mazurkiewicz says, "Motion control and automation is increasing as manufacturers face challenges to satisfy market demands and these MC products remain as one of the best investments a manufacturer can make in order to maintain a competitive edge and keep business profitable. The MCA statistical information can be used by suppliers as a tool in product planning and as an aid in making market decisions."
Companies wishing to be included on MCA's distribution list and interested in receiving the Trend Analysis and Full and Abbreviated Summaries should contact Paul Kellett via email ([email protected]) or telephone (734-994-6088).