The gravity conveyor market is expected to show steady growth during the forecast period.
A gravity conveyor is a type of material handling system that moves materials from one location to another by utilizing the natural force of gravity. Rollers or skate wheels are typically mounted on a slight decline, enabling the product to roll along the upper surface. Gravity conveyors are simple, inexpensive, and adaptable, making them popular in a variety of applications such as warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution centers. Favourable investments in airports and new manufacturing unit establishments fueled the expansion of the gravity conveyor market.
Market Drivers
Gravity conveyors are used to transfer external baggage from the public as well as for the initial screening of passengers and hand baggage. Due to their effective transfer facilities, the adoption of gravity conveyors in airports has increased significantly. Ongoing investments in the airports bolster the growth of the gravity conveyor market. For instance, according to the Press Information Bureau, the government has allocated a budget of 4,500 crores under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) scheme to promote regional connectivity and revitalize unserved or underserved airports. In the last nine years, the number of airports serving civilian flights has more than doubled, rising from 74 in 2014 to 148 in 2023.
Gravity conveyors allow for the efficient and smooth movement of materials without the use of external power sources. In manufacturing units, where the seamless flow of materials is crucial for production processes, gravity conveyors play a significant role in optimizing material handling operations. Numerous companies are establishing new manufacturing units which is anticipated to increase the adoption of gravity conveyors surging the gravity conveyor market growth. For instance, in October 2023, Cytiva established a new manufacturing facility in Pune, India which will double Cytiva's bioprocessing equipment production capacity in India. Additionally, in June 2023, Nidec Machine Tool Corporation announced to building of a new factory for Nidec India Precision Tools Ltd. to meet the rising demand for automotive and related parts. The new plant will increase the production capacity by 1.5 times.
Gravity conveyors are simple to install and integrate into existing material handling systems. Business demands for easy-to-handle systems and gravity conveyor’s simple design allow for quick setup and modification, giving businesses the flexibility to adjust to changing operational needs. Such performance features increase the adoption of gravity conveyors in numerous industries which is predicted to expand the gravity conveyor market.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to show significant growth.
Asia Pacific is expected to account for a considerable share of the gravity conveyor market due to increasing investments in automobile manufacturing and airport development. For instance, the Indian government announced a $3.5 billion investment through the PLI scheme for the automobile sector, proposing financial incentives of up to 18% to boost domestic manufacturing of cutting-edge automotive technology. Additionally, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the country is expected to have over 270 civilian airports by 2025. China’s 14th Five-year plan includes 140 airport projects, involving greenfield construction, relocation, and development of airports.
Market Challenges
Gravity conveyors may not be appropriate for all materials. Small or irregularly shaped items may not be transported properly using a gravity conveyor, necessitating the use of alternative handling methods. This limitation may restain the adoption of gravity conveyors in some industries which may affect the market growth.
Market Developments
Company Products
Segmentation