Chain Conveyors Market Size - By Operation, By Load, By Location, By End Use, By Distribution Channel, Forecast 2024 - 2032

Chain Conveyors Market Size

The global chain conveyors market was valued at USD 566.4 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during 2024 to 2032. Industries are increasingly adopting automated material handling solutions to enhance productivity and reduce labor costs. Chain conveyors are crucial components in these automated production lines, enabling the efficient movement of goods and materials. The integration of robotics in manufacturing and logistics has significantly increased the demand for conveyors that can seamlessly interface with robotic systems for tasks such as picking, packing, and sorting.
 

The exponential growth of e-commerce has further driven the demand for efficient logistics and distribution centers. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that e-commerce sales in the United States reached $1.03 trillion in 2023, underscoring the necessity for advanced material handling solutions. Chain conveyors are indispensable in sorting and moving packages within warehouses and fulfillment centers. Companies are investing in these systems to optimize their supply chains, ensuring quicker processing and delivery times to meet consumer expectations.
 

Workplace safety regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Modern chain conveyors are designed with advanced safety features to reduce accidents, making them a preferred choice for companies prioritizing compliance and employee welfare. 
 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) often face significant upfront costs when acquiring and installing chain conveyor systems. These expenses can deter potential buyers who are cautious about capital expenditures. Beyond the initial investment, ongoing maintenance and operational costs can accumulate, affecting the overall return on investment (ROI).
 

The market is increasingly adopting alternative material handling technologies, such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotic systems, which often provide greater flexibility and can be more cost-effective. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for skilled labor in advanced manufacturing is growing, yet there is a notable shortage of qualified workers. This shortage can hinder operational efficiency as the industry becomes more technologically advanced and requires skilled labor to operate and maintain complex conveyor systems.
 

Chain Conveyors Market Trends

The landscape of traditional supply chains is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rise of e-commerce and the advent of Industry 4.0. Companies are revamping their approaches to material movement, tracking, and storage by leveraging advanced technologies and automation to remain competitive in the digital age.  This shift has led to the establishment of fulfillment centers and the optimization of warehouse space by manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and logistics firms. The continued growth of the e-commerce industry further accelerates the expansion of material handling processes within distribution centers and warehouses, as reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
 

Chain Conveyors Market Analysis

Based on operation, the automatic segment was worth around 375.3 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 4.5% through 2032. Automated chain conveyors significantly enhance operational efficiency by reducing manual labour and minimizing human error. This demand for efficiency is driving investments in automation across various industries. Businesses are seeking solutions that can operate continuously and manage high volumes of materials, making automatic chain conveyors an attractive option.
 

Innovations such as IoT connectivity, machine learning, and real-time monitoring have transformed automatic chain conveyors into smart systems. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, leading to reduced downtime and operational costs. Advanced control systems improve the precision and flexibility of automated conveyors, allowing for better integration with other machinery and systems.
 

Based on the end use, the food & beverages was worth around 27.5% of the market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% through 2032. Chain conveyors are integral to the food and beverage industry, ensuring the continuous movement of materials. They efficiently transport ingredients, packaging materials, and finished products through various processing and packaging stages. The industry adheres to stringent hygiene and safety regulations, necessitating chain conveyors with easy-to-clean surfaces and contamination-resistant materials to meet health standards. The trend towards automation in food processing facilities has increased the demand for automated chain conveyors. These systems integrate seamlessly with robotics for picking, packing, and sorting, thereby streamlining operations.
 

Advanced chain conveyor systems with IoT capabilities enable real-time monitoring and adjustments, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient technologies can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Consequently, modern chain conveyors often incorporate energy-saving designs and technologies, aligning with the industry's growing focus on sustainability.
 

North America: North America held a market share of around 31.8% in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4% during 2024 to 2032. North America has a strong manufacturing base, particularly in industries such as automotive, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. The need for efficient material handling solutions in these sectors drives demand for chain conveyors. There is a significant push towards automation within the manufacturing sector, leading to increased adoption of automated chain conveyor systems to streamline production processes. The rapid growth of e-commerce is driving demand for efficient logistics and distribution systems. Chain conveyors are essential in fulfillment centers for sorting and transporting products, helping companies meet fast delivery expectations.
 

Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific Chain conveyors market is likely to register about 5.8% CAGR through 2032. Countries such as China, India, and Vietnam are experiencing rapid industrial growth. According to the World Bank, China's manufacturing sector grew by 6.9% in 2023, while India's industrial production increased by 5.7% (World Bank, 2023). As manufacturing capabilities expand, the demand for efficient material handling solutions, including chain conveyors, is rising. Many industries in the Asia Pacific region are shifting from manual to automated processes to enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs. Chain conveyors are a critical component of these automated systems. Governments in the region are encouraging automation through initiatives and subsidies, further accelerating the adoption of advanced conveyor technologies. 
 

Chain Conveyors Market Share

The chain conveyors industry is moderately consolidated, with several regional and local companies operating on a global scale. Together these companies hold a market share of 45-50% of the total market. These companies are investing heavily in research and development to create innovative and technologically advanced products. They are also focusing on expanding their distribution networks, both online and offline, to reach a wider customer base.
 

Chain Conveyors Market Companies

Major players operating in the chain conveyors industry are:

• BEUMER Group
• Daifuku Co., Ltd.
• Dematic
• Fives 
• FlexLink
• Honeywell International Inc
• Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. 
• Interroll Group
• Kardex
• Regal Rexnord Corporation
• Shuttleworth
• Siemens
• Taikisha Ltd.
• Ultimation Industries, LLC. 
• WAMGROUP S.p.A.  
   

Chain Conveyors Industry News

• In 2023, Regal Rexnord Corporation, a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of electric motors and controls, power generation products, and power transmission components, announces the launch of its Rexnord 1104 Flush Top Mat Top Chain for high-speed critical conveying, pressure less combiners and recombiners, and mass flow conveyor applications in the beverage and food industries. The new conveyor chain is an innovative upgrade for both Rexnord® 1000 Series and System Plats 2250 Flat Top and Flush Grid chains.
   

This chain conveyors market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD million), (Million Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Operation

• Manual
• Automatic
• Semi-automatic

Market, By Load

• Bulk load
• Unit load

Market, By Location

• In-floor
• On-floor
• Overhead

Market, By End Use

• Food & beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Automotive & transport
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Airport
• Warehouses & Logistic Centers
• Others (Marine, oil & gas, etc.)

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct Sales
• Indirect Sales

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
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Malaysia
  • Indonesia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa