Motion control market up 19 percent in 2011

New orders for motion control products are up 19 percent through the third quarter of 2011, according to new statistics released by the Motion Control Association (MCA).

In the third quarter, however, year-over-year growth was just 4.2 percent, compared with 24 percent year-over-year growth in the second quarter and 29 percent in the first quarter.

“The results of the third quarter strongly suggest that the motion control market recovery is continuing, but at a slower pace,” said Paul Kellett, MCA director of market analysis.

Dana Whalls, MCA vice-president, added that “despite concerns about the economy, industry experts have reported to us that they expect the motion control market to remain relatively flat for the final quarter of the year.”

Whalls added that MCA will provide further updates on the motion control market at the upcoming MCA Business Conference in Orlando, Fla., January 18-20, 2012. A panel of industry leaders will participate in a session focused on the outlook for the coming year. Additionally, the conference, which is open to MCA members only, will provide a look at the outlook for the global economy from Alan Beaulieu, senior analyst, economist and principal at the Institute for Trend Research.

MCA tracks results for motion controllers, PLCs, electronic drives, AC drives, motors, AC motors, actuators and mechanical systems, sensors and feedback devices, other ancillary components, and support services. The strongest growth sectors in 2011 include motion controllers, AC drives, AC motors and other ancillary components.

MCA reports are based on confidential data provided by member companies. The data is aggregated and summarized in quarterly tracking reports and trend analysis reports.

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