Modern Materials Handling (MMH) reported, citing a new study from industry research firm The Freedonia Group, global demand for material handling equipment will rise 5.3% per year through 2020 to $176 billion.

MMH said restrained growth is expected in mature markets such as the U.S., Japan and Western Europe during the study period.

MMH noted that China will account for more than half of all new demand through 2020 versus Western Europe.