The material handling industry is set to grow to $298.08 billion (USD) by 2030.
That’s according to a new report published in February 2026 by The Business Research Company.
An extremely healthy outlook has also been forecast for the key industries which rely on material handling equipment, including ecommerce and warehousing.
Strong long term growth is being driven by automation, ecommerce expansion and warehouse modernisation. The upward trend offers major opportunities for UK industrial businesses, especially those involved in logistics, manufacturing and storage solutions.
To get you up to speed, the material handling experts here at Metreel are here with a quick overview of the key headlines mentioned in the report.
Material Handling Equipment Market Outlook 2026: Trends, Growth & Opportunities For UK Industries
The Material Handling Equipment Market Report 2026 paints a bright future for sectors including logistics, manufacturing and warehouse storage facilities.
Many industrial sectors use material handling equipment such as cranes, forklifts, pallet jacks, order pickers and conveyors. Undoubtedly, the growth of the material handling sector is due to the similar growth being experienced within the industries that rely on material handling equipment as part of their operations.
In particular, key growth drivers include automation, ecommerce expansion and warehouse modernisation.
Market Size & Growth Forecast
Industry research shows the material handling equipment market has continued its upward trajectory, with market value expected to grow significantly.
In 2025, the material handling market reached an estimated $215.97 billion. However, with a 6.6.% year on year growth forecast, the industry’s valuation is set to reach $298.08 billion by 2030.
Focusing on the year ahead, and the market is forecast to grow to $230.44 billion in 2026.
This sustained growth reflects broad investment in material movement, storage and automation solutions across various sectors.
Outside of the report, Statista reports that the European market accounts for 28% of the material handling sector, making it the second biggest market after Asia.
Key Growth Drivers
Industrial sectors around the globe rely on material handling equipment to manufacture, move, reposition and store goods. With material handling equipment capable of lifting significantly heavy or awkward loads, as well as performing repetitive tasks with ease, the reliance on and ultimately the growth of the sector does not come as a surprise.
However, another aspect which is driving growth for material handling is that improvements in capabilities continue to be made. Namely, lifting technology is getting smarter due to automation and in turn, it is also becoming more efficient.
Used by small businesses through to large global corporations, the following summaries cover the key drivers of growth within the material handling industry.
Increasing Automation Adoption
One of the strongest drivers in the material handling market is the rising use of automated systems. Technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, smart conveyors and workstation cranes are helping warehouses and factories boost efficiency and reduce labour costs.
Ecommerce & Warehouse Modernisation
The continued expansion of ecommerce logistics, particularly in the age of rapid delivery and omnichannel distribution, has expedited elevated demand for advanced material handling technology.
Modern distribution centres require high‑throughput systems like conveyors, pallet systems, automated storage and retrieval machinery to keep pace.
This trend is particularly relevant for companies serving retailers, as well as logistics providers looking to improve responsiveness and capacity.
Modern warehouses now require:
- Conveyors (i.e. Metreel conveyor solutions)
- Pallet systems (i.e. Metreel lifting and storage solutions)
- Automated storage and retrieval machinery
These systems help businesses maintain rapid order fulfilment and reduce downtime.
Technological Innovation
Innovations such as AI‑powered warehouse systems, automated pallet tracking and connected sensor networks are reshaping how material handling equipment is designed and deployed. These technologies allow real‑time visibility into inventory and asset utilisation. In turn, this technology is making warehousing and logistics operations more efficient.
Companies that integrate smart technology into their material handling strategy are better positioned to compete in global supply chains.
Market Segments & End Users
Another aspect highlighted in the report is that the material handling equipment market is highly diversified. It now spans the likes of:
- Cranes and lifting equipment (i.e. overhead cranes)
- Industrial trucks (i.e. forklifts and tow tractors)
- Continuous handling systems such as conveyors
- Racking and storage solutions for warehouses and distribution hubs
End‑use industries range from automotive and food & beverage to semiconductors, aviation and ecommerce logistics.
This diversity underscores the widespread demand for material handling solutions across manufacturing, warehousing and distribution networks.
Regional Trends
While Asia‑Pacific currently leads the largest share of the global market, Western Europe, including the UK, continues to see rising investment in automation and intelligent material handling systems.
For UK businesses which use cranes, conveyor systems or automated handling equipment, this presents growing opportunities to support both regional and international logistics and manufacturing operations.
What The Growth Of The Material Handling Industry Means For UK Businesses
UK industrial sectors can ensure that they too experience the positive growth predicted for the material handling sectors by undertaking the following steps:
- Implementing automation and workstation cranes to improve workflow
- Modernising warehouses with conveyors and lifting systems (as seen in the Metreel brochure)
- Enhancing safety and productivity across material handling operations
- Investing in powerfeed and reeling drum solutions to protect cables and reduce downtime
The material handling equipment market is set for sustained growth through 2030 and beyond, driven by automation, ecommerce logistics and expanding industrial capacity.
Businesses which rely on material handling, powered access and industrial automation can benefit from these trends by aligning product offerings with the needs of modern warehouses and manufacturing environments.
Metreel – A Leading UK Provider Of Material Handling Equipment
Have the report finding inspired you to take your material handling capabilities to the next level? Get prepared for the rapid growth of the sector with material handling solutions from Metreel.
Based in Nottingham, Metreel supplies overhead cranes, jib cranes, workstation cranes and monorails to businesses across the UK and beyond.
To view our full range of material handling equipment, please download our brochure.
Or, to discuss your material handling requirements with our team, please send us a message or give us a call on 0115 647 0157.