The Programmable Logic Controller Market to grow at highest pace owing to increasing industrial automation

The Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) market has witnessed significant growth over the past few years owing to several advantages of PLC systems like reliability, durability, and flexibility to handle multiple industrial processes and tasks with a single controller unit. PLCs are digital computers used for automation of industrial processes like assembly lines or conveyor belts. They consist of a processing unit, memory, and input/output modules to connect the controller to sensors and actuators. PLCs are easier to program than relay logic circuits for controlling industrial equipment and they offer flexibility in making changes to the control program without rewiring circuits. Another advantage is that a PLC can easily back up control programs and restore them if needed.

Global Programmable Logic Controller Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 14.85 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the Programmable Logic Controller Market Size are HiMedia Laboratories, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Sartorius AG, Merck KGaA, Corning Inc., Atlas Biologicals, Inc., TCS Biosciences Ltd., Bovogen Biologicals Pty Ltd., Novus Biologicals, LLC, Capricorn Scientific, PAN-Biotech GmbH, Atlanta Biologicals, Inc., Rockey Mountain Biologicals, GE Healthcare, Serana, and Zhejiang Tianhang Biotechnology.

The growing demand from the manufacturing sector is one of the key factors driving the growth of the PLC market. Manufacturing industries are widely adopting PLC systems to automate plant processes and operations to improve productivity. PLCs offer optimum solutions for various industrial applications like controlling machinery on production lines, automatic identification in packing lines, and process automation in chemical plants.

Technological advancements in PLC systems like cloud computing integration and introduction of more powerful microprocessors are expanding their capabilities. Newer PLC models are integrated with cloud platforms to enable remote access and data monitoring. They also offer advanced communication protocols like EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET for seamless Industry 4.0 integration and IIoT connectivity.

Market Trends

Increasing adoption of PLCs in process industries: PLCs are gaining popularity in process industries like oil & gas, chemicals, food & beverages, and pharmaceuticals for critical process automation applications due to their high reliability. This is expected to drive significant demand over the forecast period.

Growing popularity of IoT-enabled PLCs: Integration of PLC systems with the industrial IoT is a major trend. IoT functionality allows remote condition monitoring of equipment, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air firmware updates of PLC systems. This improves overall equipment effectiveness.

Market Opportunities

Rising demand for modular PLC systems: There is high growth potential for modular PLC architectures involving distributed I/O connectivity and software-centric approach offering scalability, flexibility, and future-proofing.

Increasing focus on sustainability in industries: PLC-based automation solutions help optimize industrial processes, reduce energy consumption, minimize wastage and enhance eco-efficiency. This presents opportunities for green PLC applications and sustainability-oriented innovations.

Impact of COVID-19 on Programmable Logic Controller Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the growth of the programmable logic controller market. Due to nationwide lockdowns imposed across major countries to curb the spread of the virus, manufacturing activities and industrial operations came to a halt. This led to decline in demand for programmable logic controllers from end-use industries like oil & gas, automotive, food & beverages, etc. Supply chain disruptions further exacerbated the situation by creating component shortages.

However, with easing of lockdown restrictions and resumption of industrial activities from Q3 2020 onwards, the market is expected to show signs of recovery. Gradual restoration of industrial production and focus on automation are likely to fuel demand again. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of remote condition monitoring and predictive maintenance which PLC systems can enable. This is prompting manufacturing companies to accelerate their industrial automation plans using technologies like PLC to enhance productivity, safety and efficiency. Increased focus on digital transformation offers vast opportunities for players in this market in the post COVID times.

Western Europe has traditionally been one of the major regions for programmable logic controller market in terms of value. Countries like Germany, UK, France etc have strong manufacturing bases with widespread use of PLC systems across industries. However, the outbreak severely impacted the regional economy during initial months of 2020. With economic activities picking up momentum again, the demand scenario is improving steadily in Western Europe.

Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for programmable logic controllers globally. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea have large industrial sectors and manufacturing industries undergoing automation. Despite facing an initial setback owing to COVID-19 outbreak, the APAC programmable logic controller market is recuperating rapidly. Significant government initiatives to promote domestic manufacturing offer immense prospects for PLC vendors in Asia Pacific region over the coming years.