The walkie stackers market is anticipated to show steady growth during the forecast period.
Walkie stackers are flexible material handling machines with narrow chassis that run on battery power. These machines are equipped with forks or other lifting attachments to handle loads and are controlled by walking behind or alongside them. They provide an efficient and convenient way to lift and transport pallets over short distances. Such stacker machines are used in warehouses, factories, and other workplaces. The growing e-commerce sector and favourable investment in warehouse establishment are major driving forces propelling the walkie-stacker market growth.
Market Developments
Walkie stackers are used to move and stack pallets efficiently, making them critical for the smooth operation of warehouses. They are designed to be operated by a pedestrian, eliminating the need for a forklift or other heavy machinery. The increased demand for storage and distribution spaces has propelled the need for warehouses, thereby resulting in new establishments. For instance, in June 2023, Pladis launched a new warehouse in Carlisle, UK, with an investment of £12 million to expand the facility’s capacity. Additionally, in October 2023, ZKTeco UK, the global security equipment manufacturing giant announced the opening of its first warehouse facility in the United Kingdom. Moreover, in October 2023, GLP, a leading global business builder, announced that they are constructing a new warehouse in Niepo?omice, Poland, totaling 56,000 SQM, which will be completed in Q2 2024.
The innovations in walkie-stackers have revolutionized the operational efficiency and safety aspects in warehouses and distribution facilities, which include improved battery life, smart telemetry systems, advanced sensors, and integration with warehouse management systems. It enables seamless lifting, stacking, and transporting of goods within warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. These advancements increased the adoption of walkie stackers in numerous sectors, which positively accelerated the walkie stacker market growth. For instance, in February 2023, EKKO Material Handling announced the launch of the EKKO EB16EA Walkie Straddle Stacker, which features a center AC drive wheel and motor, EPS (electric power steering), and a 4V/210Ah commercial battery.
The growing e-commerce sector bolsters the walkie stacker market growth.
The rapid growth of the e-commerce sector fuelled the demand for efficient and fast material handling solutions, and walkie stackers play an important role in helping to streamline the movement of goods within warehouses and distribution centers. Furthermore, growing e-commerce also increased the demand for new warehouses and distribution centers to fulfill online orders, which contributed to the walkie stacker market growth.
North America is projected to grow significantly
North America is anticipated to account for a significant share of the walkie-stacker market due to the increasing number of warehouses in the major regional economies namely the US and Canada. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the number of warehouses reached 22,297 in the 2nd quarter of 2023. Additionally, in July 2023, the Kraft Heinz Company announced a more than $400 million investment in the construction of one of the largest automated CPG distribution centers in North America located in DeKalb, USA. Moreover, in October 2023, Hangcha Canada announced the official opening of a new warehouse in Mississauga, Canada in a 30,000 sqft. (2,787 sqm) space which is capable of maintaining an inventory of 550 units.
Market Restraints
Walkie stackers are mainly intended for low to medium-height lifting applications. They do not have as much vertical reach as other types of forklifts, and this limitation limits their adoption in environments where higher stacking is required, which may hinder the walkie stacker market growth.
Market Developments
Company Products
Segmentation