Motion Control Market Healthy, Growing

Reported sales of motors, electronic drives, controllers, actuators and other motion control components are up by almost 4% from first quarter 2007, according to results of a recent report on the motion control industry. The findings also show reported shipments for the quarter grew steadily to $503 million. The report, produced by the Motion Control Association, includes sales volume, sales growth, geographic sales distribution and sales by product category figures for the global motion control market.

The MCA report breaks the market down into 10 categories including motion controllers; PLCs; electronic drives (amplifiers); AC drives; motors; AC motors; actuators & mechanical systems; sensors & feedback devices; other ancillary components; and support & services. Motors, comprised of DC brushed motors, AC and DC brushless motors, servomotors with gearing mounted, direct drive, linear motors and steppers, accounted for the largest percentage of sales at 36.5%, followed by electronic drives (DC drives, AC & DC brushless drives, multi-axis drives, and stepper drives) at 25.6% and AC drives (inverter drives, vector drives, and AC adjustable speed drives) at 14.3%.

While motors represent the largest segment of orders reported, they were down slightly from first quarter 2007. Electronic drive and AC drive orders on the other hand were up 18.8% and 18.1% respectively, over first quarter. “The findings show that the motion control market as a whole is expanding at a healthy rate and therefore represents an important area of vitality within the greater economy,” says Paul Kellett, MCA’s director of market analysis.

The MCA began collecting industry data for the global motion control market for year end 2006 and is now collecting and reporting on a quarterly basis. “Having accurate and reliable industry data is crucial for strategic business planning and has been needed by motion control companies for years,” says John Mazurkiewicz, product marketing manager for Baldor Electric and MCA’s current board president. “We are fortunate that we have the support and participation of so many leading motion control manufacturers. This gave us useful data early in the program.”

All global mechatronic companies are encouraged to participate by providing data. Participants who are also MCA members receive the full summary report quarterly at no charge. Non-MCA member participants can purchase the report. As an independent trade group representing the motion control industry, the MCA is able to collect company data with the strictest confidentiality.