The trade group MHI anticipates modest material handlinq equipment sales growth in 2013. The organization said that new orders for material handling equipment grew 7.7 percent in 2012 from a market value of $34.1 billion. Its outlook for new orders this year calls for a 6-percent increase, with a 10-percent increase for 2014.

Shipments of material handling equipment grew an estimated 9.6 percent in 2012 from a market value of $33.6 billion. The group expects shipments to grow 7 percent in 2013 and 9 percent in 2014.

Import growth in 2012 reached $6.2 billion, 18.7 percent higher than the previous year. Export growth totaled $6.1 billion, a 12.7-percent hike from 2011.

The association also announced that it launched the "Young Professionals Network" (YPN) to develop the next generation of leaders in the material handling field. YPN provides networking, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to industry professionals under age 40.