The Programmable Logic Controller Market is to Touch $18.1 Billion by 2030; Increasing demand for automation in manufacturing and the rise of edge computing propels market growth.

The Programmable Logic Controller Market size is estimated to reach $18.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2024-2030, according to a recent report published by IndustryARC, titled, “Programmable Logic Controller Market – By Offering (Hardware {Processor (CPU), Power Supply, Input/ Output Modules, Communication Interface, Programming Device}, Software, Services), By Type (Compact PLC, Modular PLC, Rack PLC), By Capacity (Nano PLC, Micro PLC, Small PLC, Medium PLC, Large PLC), By Application (Material Handling, Packaging & Labeling, Home & Building Automation, Industrial Equipment Control System, Process Control & Automation, Safety Monitoring & Control, Others), By End-Use Industry (Automotive, Building & Construction, Chemical and Petrochemical, Energy & Utility, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Paper & Pulp, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductor & Electronics, Others), By Geography - Global Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030”

The proliferation of smart sensors and the increasing implementation of real-time data analytics are fueling the growth of the Programmable Logic Controller industry during the forecast period.

Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, South America, APAC, and the Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, APAC led the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) market with a 35% revenue share in 2023. This growth is driven by a significant surge in industrial automation across various sectors, including manufacturing, energy, and process industries. Additionally, in 2022, Japanese automakers are anticipated to produce approximately 16.46 million vehicles outside Japan, an increase from 15.38 million the previous year, and more than double the production volume in the United States. This substantial production expansion presents substantial opportunities for PLC adoption. 

The surge in automation across various industries is a key driver of the PLC market. As businesses strive to boost efficiency, minimize manual tasks, and enhance process control, PLCs provide a dependable and adaptable solution. They streamline processes from manufacturing assembly lines to utility control systems, optimizing resources and reducing errors. This growing need for automation to meet production demands and improve quality is driving global PLC market growth. In December 2023, Rockwell Automation advanced machine design and deployment with Micro800 Controllers and software updates. The Allen‑Bradley Micro820 controller firmware revision 14, along with Micro850 2080-L50E and Micro870 2080-L70E firmware revision 22, facilitates more efficient machine commissioning. The latest Connected Components Workbench software version 22 is essential for supporting these updated controller capabilities.

The increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency is boosting PLC adoption across various industries. PLCs enhance energy management by optimizing machinery and equipment usage, allowing precise control over energy consumption. This helps businesses lower their environmental impact and operational costs. As global industries prioritize energy efficiency, the demand for PLCs that support sustainable practices is expected to grow, driving market expansion. In April 2023, Siemens unveiled its first virtual programmable logic controller (PLC) at Hannover Messe 2023. The Simatic S7-1500V, an extension of the Simatic portfolio, introduces virtual PLC computing. This new addition, part of Siemens’ Industrial Operations X, will integrate with the Siemens Xcelerator platform, which supports production engineering, execution, and optimization through a continuously expanding, interoperable portfolio. 

• In February 2024, WEG launched the PLC410 programmable logic controller, enhancing industrial automation with versatile applications across various sectors. This advanced controller supports up to 208 IOs, multiple communication protocols, and IoT services. It integrates with CODESYS® for sophisticated programming, offering flexibility and cost-efficiency in automation.

• In April 2023, Siemens introduced the Simatic S7-1500V, a virtual PLC that integrates with IT systems through the Siemens Xcelerator platform. This software-based solution enhances scalability, flexibility, and remote management of automation processes, aligning with the convergence of IT and OT and optimizing production efficiency.

Key companies profiled in the Programmable Logic Controller Market are Siemens AG, Schneider Electric SE, ABB Ltd., Toshiba International Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, Eaton Corporation, Plc, Rockwell Automation Inc., Panasonic Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Hitachi Ltd and others.