Special and Custom Machinery Market Size - By Machine Type, By Technology, By Application, By End Use Industry, By Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Special and Custom Machinery Market Size

According to a recent study by Global Market Insights Inc., the global special and custom machinery market was estimated at USD 21.1 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 22 billion in 2025 to USD 33.4 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 4.7%.

• The global special and custom machinery market is growing significantly, driven by the growing adoption of automated machines, industry 4.0 and digitalization. The special and custom machinery market involves the design, development, and implementation of equipment to perform specific tasks.
   
• Special and custom machinery is developed specifically to solve a unique manufacturing process, introduce efficiencies, or perform a complex task that is difficult for standard or stock machinery to accomplish. This market is fueled by the increased emphasis on automation, accuracy, and innovation across various industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
   
• Manufacturers of special and custom machinery partner with their customers to understand the company-specific situation, which in many cases can involve substantial research and development on a unique and custom project. By developing special and custom machinery the target goals are to increase productivity and the levels of quality control and safety.
   
• Industry 4.0 and digitalization have accelerated the market, leveraging smart technology, IoT, and robotics in customized machinery to identify defects and enable monitoring and predictive maintenance. Furthermore, the increasing complexity of manufacturing processes and the need for sustainable, energy-efficient processes have led to an emphasis on machinery design that least impacts the environment and most optimizes the process.
   
• The semi-automatic segment held the largest share of the special and custom machinery market, due to its balance of automation efficiencies along with operational flexibility. Semi-automatic machinery provides the attributes of both manually operated systems and fully automated systems, significantly important in verticals that have multiple customized operations or managing different products. This segment has lower initial investment costs than a fully automatic system, thus preferred by small and medium-sized businesses and industries.
   
• The Asia Pacific holds the largest market share, driven by several factors that promote industrial growth and innovation in manufacturing in this region. Advanced economic development, increasing infrastructure, and widespread industrialization in China, India, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries have all contributed to an increase in need for specialized and custom machinery.
   
• Asian countries are manufacturing hubs for electronics, automotive, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, creating demand for specialized and custom machinery to maximize their production processes.
   

Special and Custom Machinery Market Trends

• The market for special and custom machinery is changing rapidly due to advancement in technology, increased automation, and industries seeking solutions to meet specific needs. The adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies like IoT, AI, and data analytics have led manufacturers to develop machinery that is efficient and adaptable.
   
• Industry 4.0 technologies allow manufacturers to monitor machinery in real-time, schedule maintenance ahead of time based on actual usage, and control processes at a much higher level than conventional machines. In addition, the adoption of automation and robotics is transforming traditional manufacturing processes across industries and provides manufacturers with the ability to achieve production at higher speeds, and improved safety.
   
• In the automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing industries, custom machinery provides manufacturers with productivity and quality that meets specific production requirements. The increased focus on sustainability and energy efficiency has encouraged manufacturers to implement energy-efficient machinery that minimizes energy usage to meet worldwide environmental standards and corporate responsibility policies.
   
• The demand for flexible and modular machinery is increasing, driven by the need for manufacturers to quickly adapt to changing product requirements and market conditions. Modular machinery enables companies to easily upgrade, maintain, and reconfigure their machinery. In addition, modular equipment is cost-effective and scalable.
   

Special and Custom Machinery Market Analysis

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Based on machine type, the special and custom machinery market is segmented into automatic, semi-automatic and manual. In 2024, the semi-automatic segment held the major market share, generating a revenue of USD 7.7 billion.
 

• Semi-automatic machines are those machines that operate automatically, but they include some form of human control. Semi-automatic machines provide a flexible machine choice that can be easily changed for a different job or task. This flexibility clearly has benefits in custom-built manufacturing where specifications often change.
   
• Semi-automatic machines also have lower purchase cost and maintenance costs than fully automatic machines. This makes semi-automatic machines a suitable choice for the small to medium-sized companies and specialized applications where cost constraints are significant.
   
• Operators can manually control aspects of the process and can lead to quick and easy changes and adjustments without having to reprogram. This is particularly beneficial while requiring frequent utilization of customization or small batch quantities.

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Based on end use industry, the market is segmented into automotive & transportation, aerospace & defense, electronics & semiconductors, food & beverages, construction, power & energy, textiles, mining, and others. In 2024, the aerospace & defense segment held 18% share, valued at USD 3.9 billion in the global special and custom machinery market.
 

• Aerospace and defense applications require extremely high precision, safety standards, and complex specifications. Custom machines are necessary to manufacture specialized components such as turbine blades, avionics, missile systems, and stealth technology.
   
• The aerospace and defense industries require specialized manufacturing equipment, including CNC machines, laser systems, and additive manufacturing systems specifically made for lightweight, durable, and intricate parts. Often, these machines, made specifically for the job, are custom-made to meet the needs of the project.
   
• Products in aerospace and defense must comply with strict quality, safety, and reliability guidelines and therefore require custom machinery to make sure that the machines also comply. Custom machines deliver the ability to control the production methods very carefully, reducing risk and enhancing reliability.

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The U.S. contributed significantly to the special and custom machinery market, generating USD 3 billion revenue in 2024.
 

• The U.S. is the major market of leadership in the global special and custom machinery in global markets. The advanced manufacturing capacity in the U.S, significant R&D investment, and robust aerospace and defense industries drive this market growth. There is an increased demand for innovative, high-precision, and automated machinery driven by the requirements of customized solutions in the automotive, medical, and electronics industries.
   
• As per the Market News International database (United States), there are more than 41,809 U.S.-based industrial machinery manufacturers. Additionally, additive manufacturing, robotics, and Industry 4.0 solutions are prominent trends in the U.S. market. The excessive cost of development and restrictive regulatory requirements present challenges for U.S. market players.
   

North America special and custom machinery market is expected to reach USD 7.4 billion by 2034.
 

• The aerospace industry, especially in the U.S. and Canada, accounts for a substantial proportion of the demand for special and custom equipment. The automotive manufacturing sector is also benefitting from the increasing investment in more flexible and customized manufacturing machinery to support low-volume, high-complexity production. Business investment in technological innovation and advanced automation, plus governments and industry support, is driving economic growth in North America. The region is identified as a major hub for manufacturing with focus on advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0.
   

Europe special and custom machinery market is expected to grow at a 4.8% CAGR through 2034.
 

• Europe boasts a well-established market for special and custom machinery, with a wide presence of aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing businesses in the mix. European companies sell high-precision and energy-efficient machinery, emphasizing sustainability initiatives incorporated in machines as well as the industry 4.0 standards. Government programs and EU funding through Horizon Europe support innovative products and services, further driving the demand for special and custom machinery.
   
• As per the Aerospace, Security and Defense Industries Association of Europe, the turnover in the European aerospace and defense industry continued to grow in 2023 at a similar rate to 2022, with an increase of 10.1% year-on-year. Moreover, 13.4% year-on-year growth in European R&D investment in the aeronautics and defense sectors was recorded in 2023, reflecting the growing emphasis on technological advancement and security. The expansion of the aerospace sector demands lightweight and high-performance components, driving the adoption of special and custom machinery.
   

In 2024, Asia Pacific held the largest share of the special and custom machinery market, valued at USD 8.2 billion.
 

• The special and custom machinery market is growing rapidly in the Asia Pacific use specialized machine are growing across the region in manufacturing hubs such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. The Asia Pacific region's manufacturing sector is transforming into an advanced manufacturing sector across the automotive, electronics, and consumer goods verticals.
   
• The region produces machinery solutions strategically focused on automation, cost-efficient production and technological advancement, supported by government policies. Asia Pacific is poised to become a major hub for specialized manufacturing solutions and robotics during the forecast period. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) report, South Korea, Singapore and China, are amongst the top countries with highest robot adoption rate. As per IFR report, India installed 8,510 industrial robots in 2023, marking a 59% increase compared to 2022.
   

Special and Custom Machinery Market Shares

• The top companies in the special and custom machinery market include ABB Ltd, FANUC Corporation, KUKA AG, Mitsubishi Electric and Yaskawa Electric, collectively hold approximately 25% share in the market. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broad customer base, and strengthen their market position.
   
• Siemens AG is a provider of automation, digitalization, and industrial manufacturing solutions. Siemens provides special and custom machinery by taking advantage of its broad set of automation devices, industrial software, and drives to provide custom solutions that promote efficiency, precision, and flexibility in manufacturing. Siemens provides expertise to customers on Industry 4.0 integration, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled machines, and custom automation systems to provide manufacturing equipment to meet industry-based solutions.
   
• ABB Ltd. is known for its automation and robotics technologies and focuses on industrial automation solutions that address customer requirements. ABB's special and custom machinery systems include custom robotic systems, drives, control systems, and automation systems to serve multiple sectors, such as automotive, electronics, and energy in custom solutions. Given ABB's capabilities to integrate digital solutions with robotics, they can engineer and build specialized machinery for complex manufacturing processes.
   
• Mitsubishi Electric has an expansive portfolio of automation products, including robotic products, controllers, servo systems, and motion solutions with an emphasis on providing custom automation solutions. In the special machinery and custom machinery market, Mitsubishi Electric works with customers to provide custom control and motion control systems that are critical to the customer's custom manufacturing equipment, especially applications in the automotive, electronics, and semiconductor industries. Mitsubishi collaborates closely with their customers to develop application specific automation solutions that allow for high precision and complex manufacturing processes.
   

Special and Custom Machinery Market Companies

Major players operating in the global special and custom machinery market are:
 

• ABB Ltd.
• Bosch Rexroth AG
• Danfoss Group
• Eaton Corporation
• FANUC Corporation
• Harms Equipment
• Hofmann Engineering
• Johnson Electric Holdings Limited
• KUKA AG
• Marel hf.
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Schneider Electric
• Siemens AG
• SPXFLOW, Inc.
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation
   

FANUC Corporation manufactures industrial robots and CNC systems and has a significant market presence in custom machinery. FANUC designs and manufactures fully customizable robotic automation solutions for many industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. FANUC's flexible robot platforms in conjunction with CNC controls provide development for unique, application-specific manufacturing equipment that improves productivity and precision.
 

KUKA AG is a major supplier of industrial robots and automation technology with a primary focus on custom automation systems for manufacturing applications. KUKA has experience developing custom robotic solutions, automation, and flexible manufacturing systems for the special machinery market, particularly in areas such as the automotive, aerospace, and healthcare sectors to deliver custom production lines and machinery.
 

Yaskawa Electric is a manufacturer of industrial and collaborative robots and motion control solutions. Yaskawa develops flexible robotics systems and drives, which can be customized to a particular manufacturing specification. Their solutions are applicable in many different industries, such as automotive, food processing, and electronics, and provide manufacturers with the ability to develop specialized and high performing manufacturing equipment that often emphasizes and values speed, precision and reliability.
 

Special and Custom Machinery Market Industry News

• In May 2024, Mitsubishi Electric India launched advanced M80LA CNC, aiming to enhance manufacturing efficiency and productivity, aligning with India’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
   
• In September 2024, Okuma America Corporation launched CNC horizontal machining centers – the MA-4000H. The MA-4000H features one of the largest machining areas and has spindle power and speed for maximum efficiency and productivity.
   
• In December 2022, ANCA launched its next generation machine range MX7 ULTRA machine. ANCA offers the highest accuracy and quality in a cutting tool in the market.
   

The special and custom machinery market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Machine Type

• Automatic
• Semi-automatic
• Manual

Market, By Technology

• Pneumatic
• Hydraulic
• Electric
• Robotic

Market, By Application

• Material handling & conveying systems
• Packaging machinery
• Fabrication machinery
• Cutting & drilling machinery
• Welding & joining machinery
• Inspection & testing equipment
• Marking & labeling machines
• Others (Filling machines, Milling machines)

Market, By End Use Industry

• Automotive & transportation
• Aerospace & defense
• Electronics & semiconductors
• Food & beverages
• Construction
• Power & energy
• Textiles
• Mining
• Others (Agriculture, Chemicals, Oil & gas)

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct
• Indirect

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE