Despite the 1% decrease in global shipments for motion control products in 2012, the industry trade group Motion Control Assn. (MCA) says economic indicators predict market growth for 2013.
"We saw a slight year on year increase in the fourth quarter of 2012," said Jeff Burnstein, president of MCA. "Additionally, polls of our member companies show optimism that shipments will increase over the next six months, which is a good sign."
MCA uses quarterly tracking reports and trend analysis reports to calculate market results, according to MCA. Major product categories are examined by orders and shipments annually and quarterly.
Alex Shikany, director of market analysis for MCA, says negative impacts such as the Eurozone crisis were responsible for the 2012 MCA results. "We saw single digit contraction in motion controllers, electronic drives, ac drives, motors and support services. Conversely, ac motors, actuators amd mechanical systems, and sensors and feedback devices all posted positive single digit growth."
