Modern Material Handling magazine’s 16th annual survey of the world’s leading materials handling systems suppliers shows the top performers have held their ground and the rest on the list climb steadily upwards, despite the massive financial problems in the US and Europe.
Once again, the results of an industry survey show growth is levelling off, yet remaining steady, following the release of post-downturn, pent-up demand.
In 2011 the combined revenues of the top 20 materials handling systems suppliers jumped nearly 26%. For 2012, Modern’s 16th annual survey reflects more modest improvement, as the grand total of $14.66 billion grew just 4.1% over 2011’s $14.08 billion.
The top five held their own, accounting for 50% of the list’s total worth. Although revenues fell by a combined $60 million – less than a percent – such a small shift might simply be due to changes in currency valuations inherent in the global nature of the industry. Those ranked sixth through 10th posted a combined $200 million in growth, with cumulative revenues up 5.6%. Overall, there wasn’t much movement at the top half of the list, with the top 10 up a combined $140 million, or 1.3%.
But the real story is in the bottom 10 companies, who reported an additional $437 million, or 13.8%. The revenues of the bottom 10 still only account for 24.6% of the overall list, but that’s up two full percentage points over 2011.
The cut-off for inclusion on the list is up to $147 million from $110 million in 2011 and $100 million in 2010.
Since none of the top 20 have acquired one another (as has happened in years past), the growth is almost entirely organic. It is clear that companies on the list have not rested on their laurels, as many noted expansions into new product lines, services and geographies as contributing factors to their strong performance in 2012.
Schaefer is No. 1 on this year’s list with $2.57 billion in revenues, an almost 3% gain. Tied last year for No. 1, Daifuku fell to No. 2, reporting revenues of $2.37 billion after converting from yen to US dollars. Although Daifuku reported an increase in sales, the year-end currency conversion resulted in a 5% decrease over 2011 revenues.
In third place is Dematic, which finished 2011 in second place behind the first place tie between Schaefer and Daifuku. Dematic, Murata and Mecalux each held steady in 2012, matching last year’s $1.3 billion, $1.05 billion and $952 million respectively.
Following last year’s acquisition of Beewen, a German company specializing in AS/RS systems, Vanderlande took sixth place, adding 5% to come in with $785 million. Seventh-place Beumer added $65 million, or 10%.
Swisslog grew 10% to $680 million while Kardex finished 9th with 6% growth to $630 million. Knapp grew 16% to $490 million. According to marketing manager Jerry Johnson, Knapp’s sales growth can be attributed to positive economic strength in several key markets including pharmaceutical/healthcare, e-commerce/multichannel, fashion, retail and cosmetics.
“Additionally, expanded technology developments and services offered in Asian and Australian markets contributed to another record year for the company and set the stage for future sales increases,” said Mr Johnson.
