The Material Handling Industry of America's (MHIA) latest quarterly materials handling equipment manufacturing (MHEM) forecast shows the sector will continue to be favourable in 2007.

According to MHIA, MHEM new orders grew at 27 per cent in 2005. MHIA forecasts a new orders growth of nine per cent to 11 per cent in 2006, followed by growth of 3.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent in 2007.

MHEM shipments grew 25.4 per cent in 2005 and 2006 will see growth at 10.5 per cent to 13.5 per cent, followed by 2007 growth of 6.5 per cent to 8.0 per cent.

MHEM consumption grew 24.7 per cent in 2005. MHIA forecasts consumption will grow 12.5 per cent to 13.5 per cent in 2006 and 7.0 per cent to 8.5 per cent in 2007.

Members of MHIA receive the MHEM forecast free. Non-members can buy it for USD195. Contact Scott Braun at +1-800-345-1815/+1-704-676-1190 for information.