Double digit growth in sales, market orders, and shipments of motors, electronic drives, actuators, and other motion control components was reported by The Motion Control Association (MCA). One product category grew more than 50% in 2Q 2007.

Sales of motors, electronic drives, actuators, and other motion control components grew last year, rising by nearly 10% from second-quarter 2007. Total market orders rose 13.6% over first-quarter 2007; shipments increased by 12.6%. The report addresses sales volume, sales growth, geographic sales distribution, and sales by product category for the global motion control market.

According to Paul Kellett, MCA director of market analysis, “We’re pleased to report no signs of an industry slow-down thus far. Through third-quarter 2007, sales performance has been fairly solid.”

The report divides the market into 10 categories: motion controllers; PLCs; electronic drives (amplifiers); ac drives; motors; ac motors; actuators & mechanical systems; sensors & feedback devices; other ancillary components; and support & services. Motors, a category that includes dc brushed motors, ac and dc brushless motors, servomotors with gearing mounted, direct drive, linear motors and steppers, were the largest percentage of sales at 34.6%, followed by electronic drives (dc drives, ac & dc brushless drives, multi-axis drives, and stepper drives) at 25.4%, and actuators and mechanical systems (mechanical drivers, gearboxes, belt-drivers, rod and rodless actuators, ballscrews, acme and roller screw actuators) at 17.5%.

Motor orders grew 3.8% in the third quarter compared to the previous quarter. Orders for actuators and electronic drives rose 51.3% and 9% respectively, over the second quarter. Support services, which include asset management services, network services, repair, and training, climbed 4.3% from the previous quarter.

The association began collecting industry data for the global motion control market for year-end 2006 and now collects and reports quarterly. All global mechatronic companies are encouraged to participate by providing data. MCA member participants receive the full summary report quarterly at no charge; all MCA members receive an abridged version of the data. Company data is treated with strict confidentiality.

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www.motioncontrolonline.org

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