Keywords
Citation
(2001), "European suppliers now dominate US market for automated material handling", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.03321aab.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
European suppliers now dominate US market for automated material handling
European suppliers now dominate US market for automated material handling
Keywords: Automation, Materials handling
More than 60 per cent of the US demand for automated material handling is now being met by European suppliers, according to a new report just out from Advanced Technology Advisors. The estimated $2.5 billion dollar demand is no longer controlled by US suppliers (see Figure 1). Besides the 60 per cent served by European suppliers, the Japanese serve another estimated 15 per cent leaving little for US firms.
Figure 1
Estimated market size of $2.5 billion in 1999
The Advanced Technology Advisors report details how Siemens, Constructor Dexion, Swisslog, FKI, Bosch and others now serve the largest market share. The key Japanese producers include Daifuku, Murata and NKC, a monorail producer. The only remaining major US suppliers are HK Systems, Jarvis B. Webb and Lockheed Martin Distribution.
Much of the share change is the result of corporate ownership changes.
FKI acquired Pinnacle Automation, the parent of White Storage Systems, Bushman Conveyors and Alvey. Siemens and Bosch jointly acquired the Rapistan activities.
For more information about the Advanced Technology Advisors report, "Emerging markets for automated material handling", Tel: +1 440 442 1670; Fax: +1 440 442 5008; E-mail: aa974@yahoo.com or write to Advanced Technology Advisors, 5299 Hickory Drive, Cleveland, OH, 44124, USA.