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Based on cranes, the market is divided into gantry crane, jib cranes, bridge cranes, and others. The bridge cranes segment accounted for a market share of over 34% in 2023 and is expected to exceed USD 3.4 billion by 2032. Bridge cranes have the most adaptable design among overhead cranes. They consist of a horizontal bridge construction that spans an area, allowing the hoist and trolley to travel across it. Owing to their adaptability, they may be used in a variety of sectors and satisfy individual requirements. They are available in single or double-girder configurations, depending on the lifting capability required.
The bridge span and runway length may also be adjusted to accommodate the workstation. Bridge cranes can handle larger weights than other overhead crane types, such as jib cranes and monorail cranes, making them suitable for heavy-duty manufacturing, shipbuilding, power generation, and steel mills. Along with this, the bridge cranes offer a longer horizontal reach, which is critical for operations requiring material transportation across broad areas such as warehouses, storage yards, or assembly lines.
Based on business, the overhead crane market is categorized into Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) segment accounted over 61.7% of the market share in 2023. OEMs develop, produce, and sell complete overhead crane systems. Customers benefit from the ease and simplicity of this one-stop-shop strategy. They may be assured in the connectivity of different crane components and obtain a guarantee covering the complete system.
OEMs have the engineering competence to create cranes that fulfill unique client needs. They may tailor characteristics, such as lifting capability, span length, and hook height, to fit a specific purpose. This level of customization is not widely offered in other categories. Established OEMs produce high-quality, dependable overhead cranes. Their brand familiarity ensures that buyers receive a reputable product with a long track record. This dependability is essential for firms that rely on cranes for key operations.
North America is the fastest-growing region in the global overhead crane market, with a major share of around 39.6% in 2023. North American businesses are open to implementing new technology into their overhead cranes, such as automation and remote-control systems, to boost efficiency and safety. Along with this, government expenditures in infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and power plants throughout North America will increase demand for heavy lifting equipment such as overhead cranes. The sustained importance of North America's industrial sector, along with the expanding trend of automation, will create a demand for effective material handling solutions, which overhead cranes can deliver.
The U.S. overhead crane market is expected to experience modest but steady growth in the coming years. The growth is mostly driven by ongoing infrastructure development projects around the country, a focus on efficiency and safety in many businesses, and the increased acceptance of automation and technical developments in crane functionality. In addition, prominent local and foreign OEMs have cemented their presence in the U.S. overhead crane industry. The integration of automation and smart technology is gaining pace, with features, such as remote control and data-driven maintenance, gaining popularity across the U.S.
The Asia Pacific region is seeing rapid industrial growth, notably in China, India, and Southeast Asia. This rise in numerous industries including automotive, manufacturing, and construction increases the demand for overhead cranes for effective material handling. Many APAC countries are making significant investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and power plants. These projects need massive lifting equipment, resulting in a huge demand for high-capacity overhead cranes. Furthermore, the regional e-commerce and logistics industries are expanding rapidly. This mandates the development of several warehouses and distribution facilities, all of which rely largely on overhead cranes to store and retrieve items efficiently.
European countries including France, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are witnessing significant growth in the overhead crane market. European firms are increasingly relying on automation and Industry 4.0 technology to improve manufacturing operations. This involves using automated overhead cranes to increase efficiency and production. Europe has implemented some of the world's most stringent safety requirements for overhead cranes. This creates a demand for modern cranes with features, such as collision avoidance and overload safety, resulting in growth in the higher-end category.
Moreover, in Middle Eastern & African (MEA) countries, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, government initiatives are fueling investments in infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and power plants. These projects require heavy lifting equipment, propelling the demand for overhead cranes.