Vertical Lift Module Global Market Report 2025

The vertical lift module (VLM) is an automated storage and retrieval system designed with front and back trays and a central inserter or extractor system. This configuration allows for the maximization of vertical space, utilizing a separate tray storage system to provide a highly efficient storage solution that surpasses traditional storage methods.

Vertical lift modules are categorized into non-refrigerated and refrigerated types. Non-refrigerated pertains to items or environments that are not cooled or maintained at a low temperature. The load capacities are classified into below 20 tons, 20 to 40 tons, and above 40 tons. Different configurations include internal bay (single and dual) and external bay (single and dual). These modules find applications across various industries such as automotive, metals and machinery, food and beverages, chemicals, healthcare, semiconductor and electronics, aviation, e-commerce, and others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and rising trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a substantial impact on the machinery sector, driving up the costs of essential components such as steel, hydraulic systems, and precision bearings many of which are sourced from regions affected by the tariffs. Manufacturers of construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery are now facing tighter profit margins, as existing long-term contracts limit their ability to raise prices immediately. This climate of uncertainty has also led to postponed investments in automation and smart machinery, slowing potential productivity improvements. In response, companies are focusing on developing local suppliers, redesigning products to incorporate alternative materials, and adopting predictive maintenance strategies to extend equipment life and reduce the need for costly replacements.

The vertical lift module market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides vertical lift module market statistics, including vertical lift module industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a vertical lift module market share, detailed vertical lift module market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the vertical lift module industry. This vertical lift module market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The vertical lift module market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.57 billion in 2024 to $1.71 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to demand for automated storage solutions, e-commerce growth, focus on inventory management, labor shortages and cost pressures, efficiency in order picking, environmental sustainability.

The vertical lift module market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.51 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rise in urban warehousing, focus on customization and flexibility, development of smarter warehouses, adoption in various industries, enhanced safety features, focus on ergonomics. Major trends in the forecast period include integration with robotics and agvs, cloud-based solutions, customization for varied applications, incorporation of artificial intelligence (ai), real-time data analytics for performance optimization.

The forecast of 10.0% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.4% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through supply chain disruptions for high-capacity lift mechanisms, sourced from key regions such as Spain and Austria, which could lead to warehouse automation delays and increased material handling costs. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

Anticipated growth in E-commerce and omnichannel retail is expected to drive the expansion of the vertical lift module market. Omnichannel retail, a strategy involving customer engagement through various digital and physical touchpoints, aligns with the growth of E-commerce, emphasizing the need for efficient storage and retrieval systems such as vertical lift modules to manage diverse stock-keeping unit requirements efficiently. For example, U.S. retail e-commerce sales in the third quarter of 2023 reached $271.7 billion, marking a 0.9% increase from the second quarter of 2023. Compared to the third quarter of 2022, e-commerce sales in the same period showed a 7.8% rise, contributing to 14.9% of total sales. Consequently, the surge in E-commerce and omnichannel retail is a significant driver of the vertical lift module market's growth.

The rise of urbanization and limited space is another factor expected to propel the growth of the vertical lift module market. Urbanization, characterized by a population shift from rural to urban areas, is leading to increased demand for vertical lift module systems, especially in e-commerce distribution centers. In 2023, approximately 4.4 billion people, accounting for 56% of the global population, reside in cities, according to the World Bank Group. Projections indicate that by 2050, more than seven out of ten people will live in cities, doubling the current urban population. This urbanization trend, coupled with limited space, serves as a driving force for the vertical lift module market's growth.

Major companies operating in the vertical lift module (VLM) market are focusing on developing innovative solutions such as automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) designed to optimize warehouse operations by maximizing vertical space utilization. An ASRS is a computer-controlled system that automatically places and retrieves loads from defined storage locations, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in inventory management. For instance, in March 2024, Greenspace Industrial, a Canada-based warehouse automation company, launched the Modula VLM. This Vertical Lift Module is an automated storage solution that employs vertically arranged trays to optimize warehouse space by maximizing ceiling height. It operates on a goods-to-person principle, automatically delivering items to an ergonomic picking height, which enhances efficiency and reduces picking errors. The fully computerized system allows for quick retrieval and replenishment of inventory while minimizing the physical effort required by operators. This innovation reflects the growing demand for advanced solutions in the vertical lift module market, aimed at improving operational efficiency and inventory management.

Technological advancements emerge as a prominent trend in the vertical lift module market, with major companies introducing enhanced systems utilizing automated vertical storage technology to maintain their market positions. In February 2022, Randex Ltd., a UK-based distributor specializing in providing office industrial retrieval office systems, introduced Compact, a vertical storage lift supporting various inventory management and stock handling processes across different organizations. Built with benchmark automated vertical storage technology, Compact handles two load trays in one sequence, with one tray ready for picking and the other in a waiting position, saving time and reducing floor space by 90% compared to standard shelving and pallet racking.

In August 2022, RMH Systems Inc., a US-based industrial automation company, acquired DAK Solutions to bolster its portfolio in the Midwest through turnkey material handling integration and automation solutions. DAK Solutions, based in the US, specializes in providing warehouse automation and storage optimization solutions.

Major companies operating in the vertical lift module market include Kardex Group AG, Hanel Storage Systems GmbH, Ferretto Group SpA, Modula Group S.p.A., AutoCrib Inc., Automha S.p.A., Mecalux S.A., Vidmar Inc., ICAM S.r.l., Green Automations LLC, Lista AG, Conveyor Handling Company, Toyota Industries Corporation, EFFIMAT, Weland Lagersystem AB, Stanley Black & Decker Storage Solutions, Rabatex Industries Pvt. Ltd., System Logistics India Private Limited, Schaefer Systems International Pvt. Ltd., Constructor Group AS, DMW&H, Daifuku Co. Ltd., Bastian Solutions, A-Plus Automation & Robotics, Carton Handling Systems Inc., Epicor Software Corporation, Feralloy Corporation, Interlake Mecalux, SSI Schaefer

Europe was the largest region in the vertical lift module market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global vertical lift module market duirng the forecast period. The regions covered in the vertical lift module market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the vertical lift module market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain

The vertical lift module market consists of sales of vertical lift module configurator, compact lift vertical lift module, and compact twin vertical lift module. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Vertical Lift Module Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on vertical lift module market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for vertical lift module ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The vertical lift module market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Non-Refrigerated; Refrigerated
• 2) By Maximum Load Capacity: Below 20 Tons; 20 Tons To 40 Tons; Above 40 Tons
• 3) By Configuration: Internal Bay (Single And Dual); External Bay (Single And Dual)
• 4) By Industry: Automotive; Metals And Machinery; Food And Beverages; Chemicals; Healthcare; Semiconductor And Electronics; Aviation; E-Commerce; Other Industries
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Non-Refrigerated: Standard Vertical Lift Modules; Custom Vertical Lift Modules
• 2) By Refrigerated: Refrigerated Vertical Lift Modules For Perishable Goods; Temperature-Controlled Vertical Lift Modules
• Companies Mentioned: Kardex Group AG; Hanel Storage Systems GmbH; Ferretto Group SpA; Modula Group S.p.A.; AutoCrib Inc.; Automha S.p.A.; Mecalux S.A.; Vidmar Inc.; ICAM S.r.l.; Green Automations LLC; Lista AG; Conveyor Handling Company; Toyota Industries Corporation; EFFIMAT; Weland Lagersystem AB; Stanley Black & Decker Storage Solutions; Rabatex Industries Pvt. Ltd.; System Logistics India Private Limited; Schaefer Systems International Pvt. Ltd.; Constructor Group AS; DMW&H; Daifuku Co. Ltd.; Bastian Solutions; A-Plus Automation & Robotics; Carton Handling Systems Inc.; Epicor Software Corporation; Feralloy Corporation; Interlake Mecalux; SSI Schaefer
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.