Motion Control Association releases second quarter industry statistics

Sales of motors, electronic drives, controllers, actuators and other motion control components are up 3.7% from the first quarter of 2007, according to results of a recent report.

By Staff October 5, 2007

Reported sales of motors, electronic drives, controllers, actuators and other motion control components are up 3.7% from the first quarter of 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.
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 report breaks the market down 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 and 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%.
“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,” said Paul Kellett, MCA’s director of market analysis.