New orders for motion control products jumped 22 percent in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, according to figures released on June 7 by the Motion Control Association (MCA, www.MotionControlOnline.org), an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based trade group.
Compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, the first quarter numbers were up by 27 percent, an indication that recovery in the motion control market is accelerating, according to MCA President Jeff Burnstein.
“The positive results in the motion control market are consistent with leading indicators of manufacturing activity, such as the Institute for Supply Management’s PMI (Purchasing Managers Index), which have shown a steady expansion in the manufacturing sector,” Burnstein said. While pointing to a recovery in the motion control market, however, Burnstein cautioned that forecasts of industrial production suggest that the rate of growth in manufacturing and in motion control orders could moderate in subsequent quarters.
Product categories
MCA summarizes market results in both quarterly tracking reports and trend analysis reports. These reports examine orders and shipments by major product category quarterly and annually with tables and color graphics. Growth rates and book-to-bill ratios are provided for product categories including motion controllers (positioners), electronic drives (amplifiers), AC drives (inverter/vectors), motors (DC/AC servo motors), AC motors (induction), actuators and mechanical systems (mechanical drivers, gearboxes and other products), sensors and feedback devices, other ancillary components; and support and services.
Both reports are available free of charge to MCA members. Members providing data for the reports receive “full” versions of the reports, which are highly detailed examinations of order and shipment results.
