Global Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Hardware and Software, and Services), By End User (Food, Tobacco, and Beverage, Automotive, Chemical and Petrochemical, Energy and Utilities, Pulp and Paper, Oil and Gas and Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033

Global Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Size was estimated at USD 11.69 Billion in 2023
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 4.34% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 17.88 Billion by 2033
• Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period.

The global programmable logic controller (PLC) market size was worth around USD 11.69 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 17.88 Billion by 2033 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.34% between 2023 and 2033. The PLC market is driven by growing industrial automation, convergence of Industry 4.0 and IoT, growing demand in energy and utilities, technological developments in PLC, cost-effectiveness, regulatory aspects, and growing adoption in emerging markets, enhancing operational efficiency.

Market Overview

The programmable logic controller (PLC) market is the world market for PLC hardware, software, and services. A PLC is a computer specifically developed to control specific processes, equipment, or operations within the manufacturing, energy, automotive, and utilities industries. PLCs are applied in controlling machinery within factory floors, automating intricate tasks, and monitoring real-time data within important operations. The PLCs provide cutting-edge solutions like security monitoring, energy usage control, automated production lines, etc. This is driving its requirement for PLCs in industrial automation. The broad utilization of industrial automation systems across a wide range of industries has become a major pusher for the PLC market. Manufacturing units are increasingly adopting factory automation to streamline their operations, minimize human involvement, and optimize resource use. Along with the growth of technology and the growing need for cybersecurity, PLCs will be in greater demand, playing a critical role in maximizing industrial activity and boosting productivity.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the programmable logic controller (PLC) market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the programmable logic controller (PLC) market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the programmable logic controller (PLC) market.

Driving Factors

The need for automation in the manufacturing, automotive, food and beverage, and energy sectors is increasing rapidly. PLCs play a pivotal role in automating industrial operations, managing equipment, and providing efficiency. Automation systems are implemented due to the requirement for higher productivity, elimination of human errors, and consistency in operations. Moreover, companies are becoming more concerned with limiting operational downtime and lowering maintenance costs. PLCs help achieve this through real-time control, automation, and diagnostics. Predictive maintenance using PLCs minimizes the likelihood of system failure, allowing for uninterrupted production and reducing operational expenses.

Restraining Factor

Adoption of PLC systems involves high initial capital to acquire hardware, software, and integration services. This discourages small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the developing world with limited budgets. In addition, operating, programming, and sustaining PLC systems call for technical expertise. The shortage of qualified automation professionals around the world hinders the efficient utilization and maintenance of PLCs, particularly in smaller-scale industries.

Market Segmentation

The programmable logic controller (PLC) market share is classified into type and end user.

• The hardware and software segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the type, the programmable logic controller (plc) market is divided into hardware software, and services. Among these, the hardware and software segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to hardware and software constitute the fundamental infrastructure of PLC systems. Hardware consists of elements such as CPUs, input/output modules, communication interfaces, and power supplies, whereas software consists of programming environments and operating systems that facilitate control and monitoring capabilities. They collectively offer the basis for automation across industries.

• The energy and utilities segment accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the end user, the programmable logic controller (plc) market is divided into food, tobacco, and beverage, automotive, chemical and petrochemical, energy and utilities, pulp and paper, oil and gas, and others. Among these, the energy and utilities segment accounted for a significant share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to power generation, electricity transmission, water treatment, and renewable energy systems that need continuous, unbroken monitoring and control to maintain stable supply and system safety. PLCs are most suitable in this setting since they provide high-speed processing, fault detection, and remote operation, enabling real-time reaction to changes in load, demand, or system faults.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the programmable logic controller (PLC) market over the predicted timeframe.

North America is anticipated to hold the largest share of the programmable logic controller (PLC) market over the predicted timeframe. North America, specifically the United States and Canada, boasts a solid and developed industrial base. The automotive, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, food & beverage, and electronics industries heavily depend on PLC systems to automate processes, enhance productivity, and ensure high-quality standards. North America has some of the world's leading automation companies, including Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and Schneider Electric. These firms continuously innovate and lead the innovation of high-end PLCs, maintaining the region in the lead position of PLC technology and adoption.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR in the programmable logic controller (PLC) market during the forecast period. APAC, especially nations such as China, India, and Japan, has experienced tremendous industrial development. As industries grow, automation technologies such as PLCs are crucial for enhancing productivity, lowering costs, and improving the quality of products, hence making APAC the biggest market for PLCs. Governments in APAC, notably China and India, have been actively encouraging Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. Such initiatives propel enhanced investment in automation, which in turn increases demand for PLCs.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the programmable logic controller (PLC) market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• ABB
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Rockwell Automation Inc.
• Schneider Electric
• Siemens AG
• Honeywell Corporation
• General Electric
• IDEC Corporation
• Omron Corporation
• Robert Bosch GmbH
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs) 

Recent Development

• In August 2024, Siemens has upgraded its PLC solutions for the food, beverage, and tobacco markets to enhance productivity, quality, and flexibility recently. Through integration of Siemens' PLCs with SCADA systems, manufacturers are able to improve product consistency, reduce inefficiencies, and fulfill changing consumer trends. This evolution indicates increasing interest in automation technology in these markets.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the programmable logic controller (PLC) market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market, By Type

• Hardware and Software
• Services

Global Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market, By End User

• Food
• Tobacco, and Beverage
• Automotive
• Chemical and Petrochemical
• Energy and Utilities
• Pulp and Paper
• Oil and Gas
• Others

Global Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa