Review of the market of lifting and storage equipment

Continuing to review the various segments of the industrial tool market, we would like to turn today to material handling equipment. Consider the trends that have emerged in recent years and evaluate the newly opened prospects. We present you the latest data of 2022!

Types of lifting equipment

Lifting equipment is a wide group of mechanisms used for hanging, fixing and moving loads. Different conditions of use cause their design differences. A variety of types of lifting mechanisms are produced – jacks of various types, manual and electric hoists, winches, cranes, rigging and much more. Each group contains subspecies of devices that differ in purpose, design features and various ways of application.

Warehouse equipment is standardized for the standard width of aisles and the weight of goods in relation to their volume. Since warehouses are enclosed spaces, the drive is used either electric or on gas internal combustion engines. In small ranges of lifting capacity, manual lifting warehouse equipment is common. Its advantage is low cost and quiet operation. Consider the types of lifting equipment for the warehouse in detail.

Scope of application of lifting machines and mechanisms

Lifting mechanisms of various designs are in demand in any industries, construction sites, warehouse logistics, at transport enterprises when servicing equipment of energy facilities. The use of lifting equipment is carried out where it is required to perform installation and dismantling, lifting, fastening and moving of goods, repair, loading, unloading. The choice of equipment in the extensive range of lifting machines (GPM) is made on the basis of the technical parameters of the devices and their operating conditions.

Main characteristics of the equipment

Taking into account the variety of models, there are a number of parameters by which the working qualities of devices are evaluated:

• Load capacity. On average, GPM are designed to work with loads weighing 5-10 tons. However, there are load-grabbing devices that are used in combination with large-format cargo equipment capable of operating with weights weighing up to 100 tons. Single mechanisms are designed to work in small workshops, auto repair shops, warehouse conditions and, most often, are focused on working with loads weighing 500-700 kg;

• Lifting height. For hoists, winches, cranes, this indicator can reach 15-20 meters.

Horizontal movement of goods depends on the local infrastructure. Most often, rails and roller mechanisms are used on objects, along which devices are moved. There are different types of lifting equipment, depending on the models of machines, different speeds of product movement are provided – from 3 to 8 m/s.

Types of lifting machines

• Jacks

• Mounting blocks

• Winch lifting mechanisms

• Hand and electric hoists

• Crane installations

• Warehouse equipment:

• cargo lifts,

• crane beams,

• rope, textile, chain slings,

• other rigging and accessories for slings,

• trolleys of various modifications,

• stackers, etc.

Global trends in the loading and unloading equipment market

The size of the global loading and unloading equipment market was estimated at $206.50 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from $216.18 billion in 2022 to $319.63 billion by 2029, demonstrating an average annual growth rate of 5.7% during the forecast period. According to our analysis, in 2020, the global market showed an average growth of 4.5% compared to 2019.

Loading and unloading equipment is mechanical equipment used for transportation, storage, regulation and protection of materials, goods and products in the process of production, consumption, disposal and distribution. Transport equipment, positioning equipment, storage equipment and others (equipment for the formation of single loads, equipment for identification and control) are the four main categories of available loading and unloading equipment.

Development of robotics and process automation for market development

The introduction of robots into the loading and unloading equipment industry has changed operations and productivity, as it was shown in the previous decade. Manufacturing enterprises are trying to quickly create high-quality products with fewer resources in the supply chain. The high demand for this equipment encourages manufacturers to modernize supply systems. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how quickly material handling organizations need to be ready to turn around if stocks, sources, labor, and other factors interrupt work. Automated procedures are a vital method of rapid response and productivity improvement.

This market has experienced a technological boom, from conveyor belts to unmanned forklifts. As the use of robots increases, more automation will be used throughout the supply chain. This automation will significantly affect many parts of the supply chain, including HR and warehouse management strategies, as well as rapid processing. Consequently, the growing automation of processes further contributes to the growth of the loading and unloading equipment market.

Development of e-commerce and logistics to support the market

Personalization is at an all-time high as online purchases are happening faster than ever before. Customized mining systems and equipment will become more common, which will contribute to the growth of the industry, despite the fact that a slight drop in demand for industrial use cases in 2020 and the huge development of the e-commerce market have contributed to the growth of the lifting equipment industry, despite the pandemic. During the quarantine, there was a healthy demand for the delivery and distribution of products around the world, which placed higher hopes on manufacturers.

In addition, the e-commerce industry is booming all over the world, which requires significant automation. Amazon, Walmart and other major retailers are gradually introducing automated technologies into their operations to make them more accurate, efficient, safe and economical. In addition, the improvement of the manufacturing industry is an important factor in the development of the lifting and transport equipment market.

High initial purchase and maintenance costs hinder market growth

High initial costs for integration, acquisition, installation, accessories, programming and other services limit the growth of the market. This restricts businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As a result of small-scale production and delayed return on investment (ROI), it is difficult for many businesses to raise huge amounts of cash. High maintenance costs are also a stumbling block for the expansion of the global market.

The costs of software updates, replacement of various parts and other devices, as well as the increase in the cost of ownership contribute to slowing the growth of the market, further limiting the growth of loading and unloading equipment.

The main players are focusing on expansion strategies to strengthen their positions in the market

Manufacturers focus on adopting various marketing strategies such as cooperation, mergers and acquisitions with other logistics solution businesses to take a significant position in terms of all-round strength. Key players are constantly providing their end users in different countries with various specialized machines, such as cranes, industrial trolleys and others, as well as loading and unloading technologies, in order to penetrate deeply into the market.

Key global players

• 

  Daifuku Co., Ltd (Japan)

• Liebherr Group (Switzerland)

• Schaefer System International Ltd. (Germany)

• Toyota Industries Corporation (Japan)

• Beumer Group (Germany)

• Jungheinrich AG (Germany)

• Godrej Group (India)

• Kion Group AG (Germany)

• Action Construction Equipment Ltd. (India)

• Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (USA)

Russian manufacturers of lifting and storage equipment

Traditionally, we will consider the key Russian manufacturers of loading and unloading tools and equipment, and also estimate their scale by gross profit for 2021//2020:

• 

  Energotekhkomplekt (LLC Energotekhkomplekt, TIN: 7449040033)

• ROMEK NN (LLC "Romek NN", TIN: 5256107023)

• Oxlift (Oxlift LLC, TIN: 7724404353)

• Prolift (ADVANTA-M LLC, TIN: 7708742524)

• Elso (KIROV CRANE LLC, TIN: 4345476969)

• Gross (OOO "Technique and service", TIN: 7802368225)

• TOR

• EURO-LIFT

• Rhino

• Tplus

• CANTAPLUS

• Stella-technician

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