Material handling equipment new orders grew 8.1% in 2014 and are forecasted to grow 9% for 2015 and and 7% in 2016, according to the latest Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast (MHEM) released by MHI. “We expect economic fundamentals to favorably support material handling equipment manufacturing expansion through 2015 and 2016," says Hal Vandiver, MHI executive consultant. In addition, material handling equipment shipments grew 4.5% in 2014 and are forecasted to grow 11% in 2015 and 11% in 2016 as backlogs are reduced. Domestic demand (shipments plus imports less exports) grew 5.4% in 2014 and are forecasted to grow 10-11% in 2015 and 9% in 2016. Import growth in 2014 was 5%, up a point over 2013. Export growth was flat in 2014, down from 12.4% in 2012. Material handling equipment manufacturing Imports are forecasted to mirror Domestic Demand in 2015 and 2016. Exports are expected to be flat or show very modest growth in 2015 and 2016. The MHEM forecast of material handling equipment manufacturing is released each quarter by MHI and looks 12 to 18 months forward to anticipate changes in the material handling and logistics marketplace. MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling and logistics industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling, logistics and supply chain equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific Industry Groups. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMa t and MODEX to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics. Contact: Carol Miller , Vice President of Marketing & Communications, MHI (704) 676-1190.