Orders for motion control products jumped 17.7% in 2011, according to new statistics released by the Motion Control Association (MCA), the industry's global trade group. Gains also occurred in the fourth quarter, rising 4% over the same period in 2010.

Orders for motion control products jumped 17.7% in 2011, according to new statistics released by the Motion Control Association (MCA), the industry's global trade group. Gains also occurred in the fourth quarter, rising 4% over the same period in 2010.

"2011 results were the best we've seen since MCA began tracking industry statistics back in 2006 (beginning with 2005 data). We show double-digit growth across all product categories that MCA tracks, including motion controllers, electronic and AC drives, motors, actuators and mechanical systems, sensors, and other ancillary components," said Dana Whalls, Vice President of MCA.

"2011 is the second year in a row of double-digit growth and a stark contrast to 2009, when the motion control market contracted by nearly one-third because of the Great Recession," said Paul Kellett, MCA's Director of Market Analysis. "The continuing recovery in the broader economy helped drive continued strength in the motion control market."

MCA summarizes market results in quarterly tracking reports and trend analysis reports. These reports examine orders and shipments by major product category quarterly and annually. Growth rates and book to bill ratios are provided for each product category. MCA also provides an economic indicator report, which enables report users to interpret quarterly statistics from the standpoint of macro-economic indicators by individual manufacturing industry, as identified by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

Reports are available free of charge to all MCA members. Members providing data for the reports receive "full" versions of the reports, which are highly detailed examinations of order and shipment results. Non-participating members receive "abridged" reports, which contain shipment results. Members find the reports valuable as a measure of overall market performance and as a benchmark for assessing relative company performance. To learn more about MCA or to join the association, visit www.MotionControlOnline.org.