Improving Productivity and Efficiency with Material Handling Equipment Market

Material handling is a critical element of almost every industry. It acts as the foundation for efficient and smooth operations. Over the years, material handling has evolved significantly, transitioning from manual labor to highly automated and intelligent systems. This shift in material handling is largely driven by technological advances, changing consumer expectations, and the globalization of supply chains.

Curious to know more about how material-handling equipment plays a vital role in shaping the world around us? This blog post explores the basics of material handling equipment and its various types. Also, it sheds light on the benefits of using the equipment in warehouses and across the supply chain, reports Polaris Market Research.

In essence, material handling refers to the movement, storage, control, and protection of materials and products throughout the supply chain. It encompasses various activities such as loading, unloading, transportation, inventory management, and packaging. Material handling equipment refers to machines, tools, and systems used for moving, storing, and managing materials throughout a facility or supply chain. It includes a wide range of devices and is crucial for efficiency in various industries like manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.

With the growing adoption of e-commerce and the rising need for improved operational efficiency and safety in industrial operations, the demand for material handling equipment has increased significantly. According to the latest market research report, the material handling equipment market is projected to reach USD 425.93 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.5% during 2025–2034.

Major Categories of Material Handling Equipment

Material handling equipment is primarily grouped into four main categories. These include bulk material, storage and handling, industrial trucks, and engineered systems. Below is an explanation of each of these: 

Storage and Handling Equipment

Storage and handling equipment is the most basic of all the four key categories. As the name suggests, storage and handling equipment is used to safely hold and manage materials in a warehouse or facility. Based on the specific needs, the items can be used for short-term storage while awaiting transportation or long-term storage during inventory buildup.

Types of Storage and Handling Equipment:

•    Racks: Racks provide vertical storage solutions for pallets and other items.

•    Shelves, Bins, and Drawers: These are useful for storing smaller items or materials in a more organized way.

•    Stacking Frames: Stacking frames are designed to store and stack multiple pallets and racks. Their use helps optimize storage in warehouses.

•    Mezzanines: As elevated platforms, mezzanines can create additional storage space within an existing facility.

Bulk Material Handling Equipment

Bulk material handling equipment is designed for transporting, storing, processing, and managing large quantities of loose, unpackaged materials. This equipment is used in both indoor and outdoor environments and is crucial for manufacturing, mining, and transportation industries.

Types of Bulk Material Handling Equipment:

•   Conveyors: Conveyors are used for moving materials from one location to another. They use a system of belts and pulleys to move and process materials.

•   Bucket Elevators: Bucket elevators lift materials vertically by using a series of buckets attached to a rotating belt or chain.

•   Bulk-Handling Cranes: These are specialized cranes designed to efficiently load and unload loose bulk materials like coal, grain, or mineral ores.

•    Dump Trucks: Dump trucks are vehicles designed to transport and unload large quantities of materials. They are often used in construction projects to offload heavy debris or loose materials.

Industrial Trucks and Machines

These are vehicles and equipment used for handling materials and goods within industrial settings like factories and warehouses.

Types of Industrial Trucks and Machines:

•    Hand Trucks: These are small, manual trucks with two wheels and a platform for carrying items.

•    Pallet Trucks: Also referred to as pallet jacks, these trucks are designed to lift and transport pallets.

•    Forklifts: These are powered vehicles featuring a fork-like platform for lifting and moving loads.

•    Reach Trucks: These are similar to forklifts but have a longer reach for accessing high shelves or pallets.

•    Order Pickers: These trucks lift operators to allow them to pick items from high shelves in warehouses. 

Engineered Systems

Engineered systems are automated and integrated solutions designed to streamline material flow within a facility. These systems are often composed of multiple interconnected units and automate tasks like storage, retrieval, and transportation. Their use reduces manual labor and increases efficiency. 

Examples of Engineered Systems:

•   Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): These systems leverage robotic systems to automatically store and retrieve materials from racks or shelves. They are typically integrated with conveyor systems.

•   Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): As self-driving vehicles, AGVs follow pre-programmed routes to transport materials within a facility.

•   Robotic Delivery Systems: These systems are programmed to deliver materials to specific locations, such as storage areas or assembly lines.

•  Smart Conveyor Systems: Smart conveyor systems are equipped with sensors and controls that can dynamically adjust their operation based on real-time demand. 

Benefits of Material Handling Equipment

There are several benefits associated with the use of material handling equipment. Some of them include:

Prevents Workplace Accidents: Material handling equipment takes away the need for employees to lift heavy items and reach high storage areas. As a result, workplace accidents associated with overexertion, falls, or being struck by an object are significantly reduced.

Improves Employee Satisfaction: Job discomfort may lead to frustration and low morale among employees. The use of materials handling equipment frees employees from labor-intensive and monotonous tasks, thereby reducing stress levels and improving overall work satisfaction.

Increases Productivity and Efficiency: Material handling equipment allows employees to transport, locate, and pick inventory with ease. That way, they can be more competent and productive with other tasks. 

To Sum It Up

Material handling equipment is a key aspect of modern logistics and operations, playing a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and cost-effective material movement. As industries face increasing pressure to meet evolving consumer needs, improve operational efficiency, and comply with stringent safety standards, the demand for material handling equipment is anticipated to rise in the coming years.