3Q07: Double digit gains in motion control

Ann Arbor, MI — Double-digit growth in many motion control equipment categories through third quarter of 2007, according to the Motion Control Association (MCA).

By Control Engineering Staff January 14, 2008

Ann Arbor, MI — 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%.

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.”

MCA formed in October 2006 and offers various benefits to members

, according to a prior Control Engineering story.

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

Control Engineering News Desk
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