Storage and Handling Equipment Market Size - By Type, By Automation, By Application, By Distribution Channel, Forecast 2025 - 2034

Storage and Handling Equipment Market Size

The global storage and handling equipment market size was valued at USD 202.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% between 2025 and 2034. E-commerce has surged across many geographies, notably Western Europe, North America and increasingly dynamic Southeast Asia.

The U.S. Census Bureau now cites a USD 1.03 trillion sales figure for American online trade in 2022, reflecting a 7.7% annual uptick. Fulfillment operators are responding with more sophisticated hardware, from high-density racking layers to robotic pick conveyors, in a bid to deliver parcels the next calendar day. Space-constrained warehouses are also adding multi-deck steel mezzanines or interchangeable shelving banks to stack inventory upward instead of outward. According to the Material Handling Industry, such modular systems can shave nearly 40% off the square footage usually reserved for stock.
 

Competitive pressure continues to mount on firms that lag in efficiency, prompting a renewed surge toward automation. Across contemporary distribution centers conveyor chains, Automated Guided Vehicles, and multi-axis robotic arms are no longer optional; they have become baseline fixtures. Data from the International Federation of Robotics confirm the shift that 517,385 industrial robots exited factory doors in 2022-a one-year surge of 31% that spanned logistics, machining, and assembly applications alike.
 

 Inventory control technologies layered with IoT sensors, RFID tags, and granular telemetry are also moving into the mainstream. Such installations allow warehouse managers to capture stock levels in real time and synchronize receipts with outgoing orders. The World Economic Forum cites firms using these platforms reporting accuracy gains near 95%. Continuous uptime-aggressive supply chains never really sleep-proves critically in retail, e-commerce, and automotive sectors. Modern storage technology, particularly when paired with layered automation, is altering the basic structure of warehousing. Companies now meet surging e-commerce orders without surrendering either speed or an expandable footprint.
 

Storage and Handling Equipment Market Trends

• Warehouses are increasingly turning to automation and robotics to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and address labor shortages. Technologies such as robotic pickers, conveyor belts, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are being widely adopted. These systems improve operational speed, reduce human error, and enhance workplace safety. The International Federation of Robotics counted 517,385 new industrial arms sold worldwide in 2022, 31% more than the year before. Manufacturers like Honeywell and ABB are leading the market by offering advanced robotic solutions tailored for warehouse needs.
   
• Businesses are increasingly adopting modular and scalable storage solutions to meet their evolving operational requirements. Modular systems, such as adjustable racking, shelving, and mezzanine structures, allow companies to reconfigure their storage setups with ease. The Warehousing Education and Research Council reports space use can surge by as much as 40% once modules are in place.
   
• Across the logistics landscape, sustainability is shifting from a talking point to a baseline expectation. Many facilities now stock shelves made from reclaimed wood or use packing wraps that break down in a backyard composter. Automated systems are following suit energy-saving conveyors and aisle-access cranes, noted by the U.S. Department of Energy, can trim power bills by nearly a third. Equipment makers such as Dematic and Vanderlande have systems that cut material waste and recycle lift-trolley energy.
   

Storage and Handling Equipment Market Analysis

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Based on type, the market is segmented into storage equipment and handling equipment. The storage equipment exceeded USD 140.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 239.9 billion by 2034.
 

• Storage equipment remains the largest and most vital segment of the warehouse sector, largely because every business wants to make every cubic foot count. Core tools like pallet racks, mezzanine floors, and modular shelves fit into nearly every layout, providing flexible, tidy space that works for many different products. The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) reports that pallet racking alone holds more than half the storage equipment market, a clear sign of its trusted status.
   
• Rapid growth in e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and food distribution is pushing companies to seek tailored solutions that meet stricter handling rules. Cold chain logistics was valued at USD 278 billion in 2023, it is expected to expand at 7.8% annually from 2024 to 2029, according to the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). That trend creates demand for specialized racks and multi-tier setups that keep temperature-sensitive goods safe while moving through the supply chain. Storage systems also last for decades, and cost relatively little compared to the returns they generate, making them attractive even as warehouses invest heavily in robots and other forms of automation.
   

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Based on automation, the storage and handling equipment market is segmented into manual, semi-automated, fully automated. The semi-automatic segment accounted for a market share of around 33.2% in 2024 and is projected to grow at CAGR of 6.5% during 2025 to 2034.
 

• In 2024 the market for storage and handling gear is moving toward semi-automated machines, due to their mix of efficiency and economic pricing. Gear such as guided forklifts, belt-based conveyor loops, and height-adjustable racks boosts output and requires less cost as compared to full automation. The Material Handling Industry (MHI) notes these semi solutions now run in roughly 40% of the world’s mid-sized warehouses.
   
• Mid-sized warehouses and regional distribution centers are particularly benefiting from semi-automation. These systems allow businesses for scaling operations incrementally, maintaining workforce involvement and operational flexibility. Guided forklifts trim picks mistakes by as much as 30%, as reported by the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). Additionally, the adaptation of semi-automated systems to existing infrastructure minimizes the need for extensive modifications, thereby reducing costs. Their lower maintenance requirements, compared to fully automated systems, make them a preferred choice for logistics and manufacturing facilities.
   

Based on distribution channel, the storage and handling equipment market is segmented into direct and indirect. The direct segment accounted for a market share of around 61.3% in 2024.
 

• Direct distribution channels remain dominant, particularly in the field of bespoke storage and handling systems. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and well-established makers routinely work face-to-face with warehouse managers, 3PL companies, and production plants, delivering complete consultation, design, installation, and ongoing support.
   
• Such an approach permits deeper customization, faster after-sales attention factors that prove vital for large, project-sized deployments.
   

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U.S. storage and handling equipment market was valued at USD 27.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The United States has massive e-commerce framework, dense network of distribution centers, and resilient industrial sector. Hubs run by Amazon, Walmart, and numerous third-party logistics firms are investing high-density racking, semi-automated conveyors, and next-generation robotics.
   
• The North American market continues to grow steadily, fuelled by rising e-commerce, factory upgrades, and expanding food-and-beverage logistics. Throughout the region, firms are upgrading to semi-automated storage and smart warehouse tech to speed output and cut labor costs.
   

In Germany the market for storage and handling equipment was valued at USD 8.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at CAGR of 5.8% for the forecast period of 2025-2034.
 

• Germany, boasts a mature storage and handling market that serves its automotive, production, and logistics industries. Modern plants rely heavily on vertical lift modules, and high-density pallet-racking systems to maximize space and efficiency.
   
• Across Europe, the rise of omnichannel shopping and factory automation is driving a demand for storage and handling gear, thereby propelling market growth.
   

China holds share of 34.4% in the storage and handling equipment market across the Asia Pacific region, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% for the forecast period of 2025-2034.
 

• China storage sector is booming, due to growing e-commerce, increasing manufacturing capacity, and ongoing public spending on smart logistics. At the same time, government programs like Made in China 2025 push both Tier 1 and Tier 2 centres toward advanced storage hardware and real-time digital management.
   
• The APAC market, is one of the fastest-growing regions due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and logistics infrastructure expansion. In India and ASEAN countries, increased demand for low-cost but scalable storage solutions like mobile racking, pallet jacks, and mezzanine platforms is rising in tiered warehousing setups.
   

The Saudi Arabia quick change tooling system market is projected to grow at CAGR of 5.7% for the forecast period of 2025-2034.
 

• Saudi Arabia storage-and-handling equipment sector is growing, due to Vision 2030 agenda that aims to diversify the economy. There is increasing development of logistics zones springing up in Riyadh and Jeddah which demand flexible, modular systems to serve channels.
   
• Increasing use of storage and handling gear is visible across the MEA, with fastest growth recorded in Gulf states and select North African markets. The UAE, Qatar, and South Africa are channeling funds into warehouse upgrades that serve retail, construction, and food supply chains.
   

Storage and Handling Equipment Market Share

The storage and handling equipment industry is moderately fragmented, with prominent players, such as Daifuku Co., Ltd, Dematic, SSI Schäfer, Honeywell Intelligrated and Jungheinrich AG led the market holding a market share of 25%-30% in 2024.
 

• Daifuku delivers complete automated material-handling setups, from AS/RS to conveyors and warehouse-management software. The firm serves large global logistics hubs and factories, pushing turnkey solutions built around constant innovation.
• Dematic has a wide network and its own software to supply modular, scalable automation for e-commerce, retail, and industrial sites.
   
• SSI Schäfer manufactures customizable, energy-smart storage gear like racks, platforms, and automated aisles. The company channels funds into green infrastructure and digital tools to meet the demands of high-throughput logistics.
   
• Honeywell pairs cutting-edge hardware with AI-rich software to drive peak performance. Its blueprint features adaptable layouts, smart-picking stations, and support for the booming e-commerce and third-party logistics markets in North America and beyond.
   
• Jungheinrich pairs material-handling vehicles-forklifts, AGVs, and serving fully automated and semi-automated sites alike.
   

Storage and Handling Equipment Market Companies

Major players operating in the storage and handling equipment industry are:

• Bastian Solutions
• BEUMER Group
• Daifuku Co., Ltd.
• Dematic
• Flexcon Container
• Godrej Storage Solutions
• Honeywell Intelligrated
• Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.
• Interroll Group
• Jungheinrich AG
• Mecalux
• Raymond Corporation
• SSI Schäfer
• Swisslog
• Toyota Material Handling
   

Manufacturers compete primarily on technology integration, system scalability, product customization, operational efficiency, and after-sales support. Increasing demand for automated and smart storage systems, especially for e-commerce and 3PL sectors, is intensifying competition around innovation, software-enabled solutions and sustainability features.
 

Storage and Handling Equipment Industry News

• In April 2025, Daifuku inaugurated a manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, India, increasing production capacity for autonomous storage and retrieval systems, rail-guided pallet sorters, and conveyors, all tailored to accelerating local demand.
   
• In January 2025, Toyota launched two eco-friendly electric forklift models (integrated pneumatic and Core Electric series) featuring lithium-ion batteries and enhanced operational efficiency for heavy-duty applications.
   
• In 2023, Interroll unveiled a High-Performance Conveyor Platform that exceeds 10,000 units per hour and teamed with partners to pair AMR top modules with its belts, reinforcing its focus on modular robotics and digital technology.
   

The storage and handling equipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and Volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Equipment Type

• Storage equipment
  • Pallet racking systems
    • Selective racking (most common)
    • Double deep racking
    • Drive-in/drive-through racking
    • Push back racking
    • Others
  • Shelving systems
    • Static shelving
    • Mobile shelving
    • Others
  • Specialty storage
    • Cantilever racks (for long items)
    • Multi-tier racking
    • Mezzanine flooring
    • Modular storage systems
    • Others
• Handling equipment
  • Transport equipment
    • Forklifts (electric, gas, diesel)
    • Pallet jacks
    • Hand trucks
    • Conveyor systems
    • Others
  • Lifting equipment
    • Cranes
    • Hoists
    • Lift tables
    • Scissor lifts
    • Others
  • Continuous handling equipment
    • Belt conveyors
    • Roller conveyors
    • Chain conveyors
    • Pneumatic systems

Market, By Automation

• Manual
• Semi-Automated
• Fully Automated

Market, By Application

• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Electronics
• Food and beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals
• Textiles
• Distribution and logistics
• Retail
• E-commerce
• Others

Market, By Distribution channel

• Direct
• Indirect

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

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