Gone are the days when warehouses echoed with the clatter of manual labor and the strain of backbreaking lifts. Material handling equipment now plays an essential role in industrial operations. Continuous innovation inside this sector occurs due to demands for efficiency alongside safety needs and sustainability requirements across warehouses and building sites along with manufacturing environments.
The transformation is not just visible, it is measurable. The “Material Handling Equipment Market Outlook” report from Grand View Research shows that the Indian material handling equipment (MHE) market reached $5.4 billion in 2023 before it is anticipated to grow to $8.7 billion during 2030 at a projected 7.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. A combination of rapid infrastructure development with smart cities expansion and logistics parks growth alongside increasing online retail adoption is fueling this surge for advanced warehousing and logistics solutions.
Higher adoption
Faraz Alam, founder, Atmos Systems, says, “We are witnessing a dynamic shift in how Indian industries manage their operations. The growing adoption of advanced material handling equipment is not only streamlining warehouse processes but also playing a vital part in strengthening the country’s economic foundation. By embracing automation and innovative solutions, businesses are able to handle larger volumes with greater safety and efficiency, supporting the rapid pace of industrialization and urban development. This transformation is setting new standards for productivity and reliability, making material handling equipment indispensable to India’s progress.”
Increased usage of advanced MHE-from cranes and lifting equipment, and automated racking and archive storage systems has transformed the storing, transportation and retrieval of freight. Where efficiency gains are not incremental, they are all-out transformation, allowing employees to deal with more quantities more speedily and carefully, all while being safer in doing so.
The sector’s progress is closely tied with India’s whole industrial development. Top manufacturing companies in automotive, pharma and FMCG are building larger facilities and are looking for excellent material handling products to handle bulk and high-volume production lines. Automation is no longer optional for businesses that want to reduce manual work, reduce costs & adhere to very strict health & safety regulations.
Domain expertise
Rajan Luthra, CFO, Action Construction Equipment (ACE), said, “The surge in demand for advanced material handling solutions reflects the nation’s rapid industrial growth and the need for greater efficiency and safety across sectors. The government’s growing impetus on infrastructure, initiatives like ‘Make in India,’ and a burgeoning production landscape have inevitably catalysed heightened demand within the material handling domain. This uptick in the industry’s momentum is clearly reflected ACE’s Q4 FY25 growth wherein our company reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue, with volumes in its cranes, material handling & construction equipment segment growing by 14.75% YoY and revenue rising by 15.70% YoY. Over the past three decades, our commitment to innovation and quality has enabled us to support this transformation, further empowering our customers to meet higher productivity standards and safety norms. As one of India’s leading construction and material handling manufacturers, we remain dedicated to delivering reliable, future-ready equipment that drives progress and contributes to the country’s economic development.”
The future of MHE operations is being influenced by sustainability standards. Modern industrial equipment experiences a major transformation toward sustainable capabilities which now emphasizes both efficient energy usage and environmental care. The Internet of Things (IoT) tools, along with predictive maintenance capabilities, transform MHE into self-operational systems which provide continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance thus maximizing operational times and equipment life spans.
Research indicates that India’s MHE market will continue its upward growth trajectory. Strong demand in the market will continue due to these three factors: urbanization along with industrialization and growth from foreign direct investment in manufacturing and retail sectors. The coming chapter of warehouse operations shows promise for enhanced autonomy and adaptability as artificial intelligence and machine learning systems establish increasing dominance.
Warehouses serve as the foundation for a fast-moving economy through material handling equipment innovations making them fundamental for ongoing economic development.
