15 Material Handling Trends in 2025

Each year, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) publishes a list of the top 15 business trends shaping the material handling industry to help its members navigate challenges and opportunities. Automation, AI, emerging technologies, and electrification all made this year’s list of 15 trends:

1. ECONOMY

   • The economic outlook presents a cautiously optimistic scenario in certain regions and industry segments while others continue to have an unpredictable recovery as the market normalizes.

2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

   • The integration of AI-driven technologies, such as autonomous robots, predictive analytics, and real-time supply chain visibility, is transforming traditional processes and setting new standards for operational excellence.

3. CASH FLOW

   • The industrial truck segment is experiencing cash flow pressure due to increased inventory, interest rates, tightening credit conditions, and extended payment terms along with a reduction in rental utilization and used equipment values.

4. MARKET PRESSURE

   • The storage and handling segment is experiencing pressures from other segments entering their market and manufacturers’ capacities outpacing customer demand.

5. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

   • Emerging technologies are requiring members to quickly develop tech driven solutions and integrate them into traditional automation solutions.

6. CYBER SECURITY

   • Heightened cybersecurity risks are impacting companies’ ability to safeguard sensitive data and to ensure customer trust, supply chain continuity and business stability.

7. CONSOLIDATION

   • Consolidation continues with acquisitions by private equity firms, manufacturers and distributors.

8. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   • There are increased demands from customers and suppliers for members to adhere to environmental, social, and corporate governance requirements.

9. HEALTH & WELLNESS

   • Employees are facing increased pressure and look to employers for financial and mental health services.

10. REQUIREMENTS

    • Requirements continue to increase for permitting and engineering as well as contractor licensing and safety.

11. ELECTRIFICATION

    • Equipment electrification, mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGV) will continue to impact member sales and aftermarket operations.

12. GEOPOLITICS

    • The volatile geopolitical environment creates risks to global markets and business operations.

13. TALENT GAP

    • The talent gap continues to grow, increasing the challenge of hiring skilled employees for members.

14. PARTNERSHIPS

    • Strategic partnerships between manufacturers and distributors are more important than ever as demand for direct consumer business increases.

15. IMPORTED PRODUCTS

    • There is an increase in low cost imported products putting pressure on margins for both distributors and manufacturers.

At Quintec Integration, we recognize the importance of staying ahead of industry trends. As automation, AI, and electrification continue to reshape material handling, we remain committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By keeping these trends at the forefront of our strategies, we ensure our clients are always equipped for the future.

Let's grow together—because the future of material handling starts now! 🚀