“Despite the contraction in global motion control shipments last year, we are optimistic moving into 2014,” says MCA vice-president, Dana Whalls. “The North American economy, which is a strong driver of MCA statistics, is forecasted to be strong to start the year, and we’re anticipating motion control shipments to follow.”

“Despite the overall contraction, the motion controllers category had a very strong year in 2013,” adds Alex Shikany, the MCA’s director of market analysis. “We saw shipments of motion controllers soar 22% in 2013, while all other categories declined.”

The MCA is a global not-for-profit trade group that promotes the understanding and use of motion control technologies and develops business opportunities for mechanical and electronic motion control companies. Its members include manufacturers of complete motion control systems and components, system integrators, distributors, end-users, consultants, academic institutions and research groups involved in mechanical and electronic motion control.