More than 300 million electric motors are used in infrastructure, large buildings, and industry globally. Over 30 million motors are sold each year for industrial purposes alone. At a time when talk has shifted to emission reduction, electric motor manufacturers have been innovating and disrupting the global marketplace.
With so much demand for electric motors, many products are thriving. For example, growth is accelerating in the synchronous electric motors market, which can expect an increase of several billion dollars by 2021.
Competition among electric motor companies is fierce, and the following are leading the race in 2019.
Top 20 Electric Motor Manufacturers in the World 2019:
1) It is probably easier to name the things this electrical engineering juggernaut doesn’t do. From building technologies and automation equipment for manufacturers and construction companies to imaging and diagnostic systems for hospitals and electric motors for industrial and mobility purposes, Siemens seems to be everywhere. Since being founded over 150 years ago by a visionary entrepreneur, Siemens has grown into one of the world’s leading electric motors manufacturers.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
The company aims to redesign electric motor technology from the ground up for use in electric vehicles. Rolls-Royce, Siemens, and Airbus formed a partnership last year which aims at developing a near-term flight demonstrator that will be a significant step forward in hybrid-electric propulsion for commercial aircraft. Along with this, Siemens recently partnered with Alstom, a French multinational company, to combine its mobility business (including rail traction drives) with Alstom.
Find out Siemens’ market share in the global electric motor market by downloading Technavio’s Global Synchronous Electric Motors Market Report
2) Toshiba, a world-leading diversified manufacturer and solutions provider, entered the electric motors industry in 1970 and has since become known for manufacturing some of the most reliable, robust electric motors in the global market. The company offers a wide range of low- and medium-voltage motors that are setting new standards in extreme duty performance and durability.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
In May 2013, Toshiba International Corp. acquired Elettra Technology Inc., a Hamilton-based industrial electric motors manufacturer. It was Toshiba’s first motor company acquisition in its history. Five years after the acquisition, the new business Toshiba Industrial Products Canada Ltd. is producing larger and more sophisticated electric motors in a renovated 63,000-square-foot facility.
3) Continuing a history of technological innovation spanning over 130 years, ABB has become a world leader in electrification products, industrial automation and power grids, robotics, and motion. It serves clients in utilities, industry, and transport and infrastructure globally. 2017 was a transition year for ABB, as the company strengthened and streamlined its portfolio and operations, in line with its Next Level strategy, further executing on a plan that began in 2014.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
ABB completed its acquisition of B&R in 2017, one of the largest providers of machine and factory automation solutions. Further, in September the company signed a contract to acquire GE Industrial Solutions, GE’s electrification solutions business, which is expected to strengthen its global position in electrification as well as expand its access to the North American market. Furthermore, as part of its Next Level strategy, wholly-owned brand Baldor Electric was renamed ABB on March 1, 2018.
Read more: Innovations in the Automotive Industry: Beyond Electric Cars
4) Nidec Motor is a leading Japanese manufacturer of motors and control equipment for industrial use, home appliances, and consumer products. The company has several production and sales bases in China, Mexico, America, and England. Nidec has been developing a new growth platform with a major focus on commercial and industrial businesses.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
In Feb 2017, Nidec Corporation announced that it had completed the previously announced acquisition of the electric power generation, motors, and drives business of Emerson Electric Co. The acquired business has a solid business foundation, strong brand, and excellent customer base, mainly in North America and Europe. Further, the company has agreed to form a joint venture with the French car maker Groupe PSA and invest US$261 million in electric motor production in France for global and domestic distribution.
5) Rockwell Automation was founded in 1903 with a small investment of US$1,000. Since then, the American industrial automation provider has proven to be a success story, becoming one of the global leaders in automation technology. Over the past decade, its investments in globalization and technology have allowed it to expand its addressed market to more than US$90 billion.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
In September 2016, Rockwell Automation acquired Maverick Technologies, a leading systems integrator, which helped the company improve its expertise in key batch applications. It also acquired Automation Control Products, a leading provider in the centralized thin client, remote desktop, and server management software sectors.
Read more: Top 5 Largest Electric Vehicle Manufacturers in the World
6) AMETEK is a world-class organization focused on providing solutions to customers’ most complex challenges with unique technological innovations. Headquartered in Kent, Ohio, AMETEK’s subsidiary AMETEK Advanced Motion Solutions (AMS) provides DC motors, controllers/drives, fans, pumps, precision-controlled blowers, and custom-engineered linear motion systems.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
The future of AMETEK is supported by its four growth strategies: global market expansion, operational excellence, new product development, and strategic acquisitions. On June 22, 2017, AMETEK announced that it had completed its acquisition of MOCON, a leading provider of instruments, detectors, systems, and consulting services. MOCON joined AMETEK as part of its process and analytical instruments segment within AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group.
7) Regal Beloit is a well-positioned brand for the global energy efficiency trend with its high-efficiency motors and power transmission systems. The company has had a successful history of growth by offering world-class products and service close to where its customers need them. Its Genteq brand DC electric motors are found in nearly all variable-speed residential HVAC equipment in the US today, and its Marathon Electric Motors, Leeson, and GE Commercial Motor brands are widely used throughout the industrial sector.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
On February 28, 2018, Regal Beloit Corporation announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Nicotra Gebhardt S.p.A., a leader in energy-efficient systems, for approximately $154 million. This acquisition will help Regal Beloit to expand its portfolio, diversify geographic exposure, and strengthen the capability to deliver energy efficient solutions. Over the past decade, Regal has acquired many brands, including A.O Smith’s, CMG Engineering Group, and Dutchi Motors B.V.
8) Having served a range of industry verticals and businesses for more than 50 years, Johnson Electric group has become a global leader in electric motors, motion subsystems, actuators, and related electro-mechanical components. Application-specific knowledge and technology leadership are the key drivers that make Johnson Electric a world leader in its industry. The group offers the largest set of engineered motor and motion systems available on the market today, and these systems can be standardized for mass production or personalized to meet the needs of strategic sections and key accounts.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
Johnson Electric has made significant advances in recent times through a number of wisely targeted acquisitions and investments, including the acquisition of AML Systems in May 2016 and the increased shareholding in Halla Stackpole Corporation in May 2017. The market-leading headlamp product line of AML systems complemented the existing actuator business of Johnson Electric.
9) From a small motor manufacturing firm to a world-leading provider of systems and components for moving fuel and water, the commitment to aggressive but thoughtful expansion has led Franklin Electrics to become one of the world’s best electric motor manufacturers. Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in commercial, residential, industrial, agricultural, municipal, and fueling applications.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
In 2017, Franklin Electric acquired controlling interests in Western Hydro Holding Corporation, 2M Company Inc., and Drillers Service Inc. The three groundwater distributors function under the name Headwater Companies, serving groundwater professionals across the United States. On January 3, 2018, the company announced that it had acquired Valley Farms Supply, a groundwater distributor operating two locations in the State of Michigan.
10) Allied Motion Technologies, a leading manufacturer of precision motion control products and solutions, is known worldwide for its knowledge in electromagnetic, mechanical, and electronic motion technology. The company’s growth strategy is focused on becoming the leader in its selected target markets by leveraging its expertise to develop precision motion solutions that utilize various Allied Motion technologies to create higher value solutions for its customers.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
Allied Motion is growing both internally and through strategic acquisitions, and intends to be a global supplier of cutting-edge motion control products to its selected market segments. The company acquired Heidrive GmbH, a German engineering company, for US$22 Million in 2016. In January 2018, Allied Motion purchased all the assets associated with the original equipment steering business of Maval Industries.
11) FAULHABER GROUP offers an extensive range of motors and microdrive systems through its well-known brand MICROMO. The brand has been a full-service, value-added partner to the robotics, optics, medical and aerospace industries for custom micro motion solutions for more than five decades. MICROMO brings together cutting-edge technologies and value-added services from around the world through its high-performance rotary, high efficiency, and linear offerings, including brushed, brushless, thin-profile DC, stepper, linear, and piezoelectric motors for diverse applications.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
In 2008, MICROMO Electronics signed an extensive agreement with PiezoMotor AB, a leading provider of motor technologies at that time. This partnership helped MICROMO to launch innovative custom-designed precision microsystems based on Piezo motor technology.
12) From aircraft engines and power plants to turbines and oilfield equipment, General Electric (GE) is a multinational conglomerate that offers products and services to a wide range of industries and applications. The company operates in many segments, such as power and water, energy management, oil and gas, renewable energy, appliances, energy connections and lighting, healthcare, aviation transportation, GE capital, and more. GE Motor Services integrates an unparalleled wealth of OEM motor expertise with a global network of field engineering services and repair facilities to deliver high-quality motor repair and services that keep industrial operations up and running.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
Over the past several years, GE has made significant mergers and acquisitions to solidify its position atop the industrial leadership board. In late 2015, GE acquired the power assets of French company Alstom for US$10 billion. In 2017, GE acquired LM Wind Power, a Denmark-based manufacturer of rotor blades and technology developer for the wind industry, for approximately US$1.7 billion.
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13) Danaher Motion is one of the most experienced electric motor manufacturers in terms of developing customized motors for specific design requirements. The company leverages its vast experience in mechanical, electromagnetic, and control technologies to help customers build machines faster. Danaher offers a comprehensive line of drives, motors, actuators, and controls that help optimize the performance of motion control systems.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
The Danaher’s success story revolves around mergers and acquisitions and the successful integration of those acquisitions. The company has completed more than 60 M&A transactions since 2008 and it has bought over 400 businesses since 1984.
14) WEG is an independent global solutions company that manufactures and distributes HVAC and industrial electric motors to customers across the world through its manufacturing unit in Latin America and distribution centers in the US. It is one of the largest industrial electric motor manufacturers in the Americas, producing more than 22 million units annually. The company operates on 6 continents, exports to 100+ countries, and has 7 production facilities.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
Last year, WEG announced the acquisition of KATT, an electric motors manufacturer headquartered in Homberg, Germany. This acquisition is allowing WEG to expand its research and development of high-speed machines and strengthening its market leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient industrial electric motors.
15) With more than 40 years of experience, constant innovation, cutting-edge products, and competent customer service, maxon motor has become one of the world-leading suppliers of high-quality drive systems. maxon motor provides innovative solutions at an appropriate price-performance ratio for several applications in various markets, including medical technology, automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, security technology, instrumentation, and consumer applications.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
maxon motor recently acquired 100% of the shares in Zub Machine Control, based in Rothenburg, Switzerland. The company specializes in multi-axis control and motion control in the field of industrial automation. With this acquisition, maxon motor has expanded its product portfolio to include smart multi-axis controllers and is now in a better position to offer complete solutions.
16) TECO Westinghouse, a motor company which started as a joint venture between TECO Electric and Westinghouse Electric in 1988, is today able to provide quality generators, drives, motors, and power solutions. The company’s capabilities combined with the availability of global manufacturing resources is helping the TWMC to serve its customer needs as well as realize a healthy return on investment.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
The company’s high-quality products are used to drive pumps, compressors, grinders, crushers, fans, rolling mills, and a variety of other rugged applications. In 2016, TWMC acquired Italian company Motovario which produces motors, gear reducers, and other power-transmission products, particularly norm gears for which the company is a top player in the world.
Read more: Is China All Set to Rule the Electric Vehicle Industry?
17) Hitachi, a leading Japanese conglomerate that started its business as a manufacturer in 1910, operates with over 1000 subsidiaries today, including 335 overseas corporations. Hitachi was the first company in Japan to manufacture electric motors in 1914. Today, the company manufactures high-tech motors and motor products ranging from the smallest micro motors to heavy generator and electric motor sets available across the world.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
Honda, a world-leading automotive company, formed a new partnership with Hitachi, which has a long history of manufacturing motors for electric vehicles. This joint venture is catering to the growing global demand from automotive manufacturers for electric vehicle motors by developing high-quality motors that combine the knowledge and skills of both companies.
18) Lincoln Electric has been s major electric motor manufacturer for more than 120 years. From motor design and development to production and distribution, Lincoln Electric has been a leading provider of arc welding solutions, plasma and oxyfuel cutting, robotic welding and cutting systems, and most importantly, brazing and soldering alloys. The company has 63 manufacturing locations, including joint ventures and operations, in 23 countries and a global network of sales and distributors reaching more than 160 countries.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
Lincoln Electric joined forces with Leeson Motors in 2006, and its product line has grown radically ever since. Lincoln capped off 2017 with solid financial and operational performance, strong momentum, and the successful close of its largest acquisition. The company closed the Air Liquide Welding acquisition in 2017, which doubled the size of its European business.
Read more: Top 10 Trends to Watch in the Automotive Industry in 2018
19) Piela Electric is one of the oldest and most respected electric motor manufacturers in the world. Since 1932, Piela Electric has provided mechanical and electrical power transmission equipment to customers nationwide. The company has stood for excellent product reliability and performance. Today, it is recognized globally as the mark of technological innovation and leadership in industrial motors. Being in business for more than 80 years, the company has in stock several items which are no longer manufactured.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
Piela Electric offers a wide range of electric motors that cater the needs of all its customers. With more than 80 years of experience, the company has the knowledge to get the exact motor that matches the requirements of businesses.
20) In business since 1913, Dumore Corporation has manufactured a range of custom-designed OEM motors and industrial tools. The brand has been the choice of industrial leaders for high-quality, reliable, accurate grinding and drilling tools and cutting-edge industrial electric motors. The company, formerly known as Wisconsin Electric Company, offers permanent magnet DC brush motors, parallel shaft and right angle gear motors, wound field motors, motor components, permanent magnet fields, and brush cards.
Strategic acquisitions and developments:
In 2015, Dumore acquired the assets of Grove Die Casting, located in Wisconsin. As per the company’s CEO Guillermo Wil Fernandez, the acquisition is helping the company improve its customer responsiveness by reducing lead time for its lower volume aluminum die cast components.
