Global market size and forecast for steel reels and handling equipment in the wire & cable industry
The global market for steel reels for wire and cable is experiencing steady growth.
Valued at approximately USD 0.5 billion in 2024, it is projected to expand to USD 0.62 billion by 2030 (CAGR ≈ 4.4% from 2025 to 2030) [1][2]. Long-term forecasts suggest a market value of USD 0.80 billion by 2033 (CAGR ~ 5.4% from 2025 to 2033)[2].
This growth is driven by the rising demand for efficient cable, pipe, and wire handling solutions across various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, energy, and utilities [3][4].
In particular, the development of large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects has increased the need for reliable cable management systems (reels, drums, unwinders), contributing to overall market expansion [3][5].
A summary of the provided data is shown below:
- 2024: market size 0,50 billion USD (source [4])
- 2025: market size 0,50 billion USD (source [1])
- 2030: market size 0,62 billion USD (source [1])
- 2033: market size 0,80 billion USD (source [4])
North American market
In the United States, the robust North American market benefits from a strong industrial base (automotive, energy, transportation) and significant investments in both public and private infrastructure.
The U.S. leads regional demand, with key industry players investing in reels and cable management systems for both civil and industrial applications [8].
The growing automation of electrical grids and manufacturing processes, combined with strict safety regulations, is driving the adoption of advanced steel reels and handling equipment.
For example, the U.S. market increasingly values motorized cable winding systems for large facilities, which reduce installation time and improve operational safety [8].
European market
Europe also represents a significant market for cable reels and handling equipment.
Countries such as Germany, France, the UK, and Italy boast strong manufacturing industries (automotive, energy, construction) that heavily utilize steel reels for cable laying and transport.
The push toward electrification and digital transformation in Europe—particularly in rail, smart grid, and automotive sectors—continues to support demand for reliable, innovative cable handling systems [9].
While growth forecasts vary, the presence of major players and large EU infrastructure projects ensure Europe maintains a substantial market share.
Technological trends and innovations
The sector is evolving rapidly with significant technological advancements.
Increasing integration with Industry 4.0 is leading to the development of reels and handling systems equipped with sensors and connectivity features. For instance, smart reels with integrated tension, temperature, and speed sensors are gaining traction, allowing for real-time monitoring and automatic winding control [4][10].
Automation is also on the rise: systems operated by robots and AGVs (automated guided vehicles) are improving efficiency. AI-driven cable winding and distribution systems are minimizing human error and accelerating installations [11][12].
Energy efficiency is another key trend. New equipment features low-power electric motors and optimized hydraulic systems, lowering environmental impact and operational costs [13][12].
In terms of materials, high-strength steel remains standard due to its durability. Treated variants (e.g., galvanized or stainless steel) improve corrosion resistance [14].
Manufacturing processes are also advancing: the use of CNC machines for reel welding and modular production (collapsible reels) is streamlining logistics and assembly.
Overall, IoT integration in cable management systems allows for continuous condition monitoring and enhanced predictive maintenance [4][12].
Key application sectors
Demand for steel reels and handling systems is driven by several core sectors:
- Construction and infrastructure: construction sites, bridges, and power grids require large quantities of cable for power and signal distribution. Reels ensure orderly and safe cable deployment. Urban expansion and smart grid projects further increase the need for efficient cable installation solutions [3].
- Energy and utilities: power plants (including renewables) and substations rely on heavy-duty reels for deploying high-voltage cables. In this context, reliability and ease of maintenance are critical, as cable damage can be costly. Investments in smart grid infrastructure are boosting demand for reels with digital monitoring capabilities [3][4].
- Telecommunications: the growth of fiber optic and 5G networks calls for specialized reels and winding systems to handle long, thin cables, often in complex urban environments. While steel reels are less common for lightweight fiber, portable and precise cable handling tools (winders, dispensers) are essential.
- Automotive and transportation: automotive assembly lines and transportation component manufacturing (e.g., engines, machinery) use reels and trolleys to move long sections of electrical or hydraulic cables. This sector promotes the use of motorized reels and agile devices to ensure speed and safety on production lines.
- Other Industrial Sectors: comparti come siderurgia, estrazione mineraria e porti utilizzano bobine pesanti (per cavi di alimentazione di macchinari o gru) e sistemi di sollevamento speciali. I reel per ambienti estremi (miniera, offshore) devono essere particolarmente resistenti e facilmente manovrabili.
Market segmentation by product type
The market includes a variety of products tailored to wire and cable handling. Major segments include:
- Steel Reels: one-piece steel drums for cable/wire: extremely durable, used in extrusion lines and heavy-duty cabling (e.g., drawing, stranding). Ideal where high load capacity is required.
- Collapsible Reels: multi-piece drums that can be assembled: allow easy transport and storage. Modular versions for wire and cable are widely used globally.
- Reel Lifting and Handling Equipment: motorized lifters and tilters for reels; enable fast and safe movement of heavy reels with no manual effort.
- Shuttles and AGVs: automated carts (on wheels or air cushions) designed to move reels through warehouses and production areas. Enable precise, integrated movement within production lines.
- Carts and Floor Frames for Reels: simpler solutions (manual or semi-automated carts, floor-mounted frames) used for internal movement and handling at the worksite. Often customized for specific reel diameters.
This segmentation reflects the wide-ranging needs of wire and cable handling across industrial contexts.
The global market for steel reels and handling equipment in the wire and cable industry is growing in both value and volume.
North America and Europe remain key regions due to their advanced industrial economies, while Asia-Pacific (notably China and India) leads demand growth [15][8].
Technological innovations (smart reels, automation, advanced materials) and strong application sectors (energy, telecom, automotive, construction) will continue to drive market expansion through 2030 and beyond [4][3].
Sources:
[1] [3] [7] [8] [9] Industrial Reels Industry worth $0.62 billion by 2030 – Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets™
[2] [4] [10] [15] Dimensioni del mercato delle bobine dei cavi industriali, quota, crescita, 2033
https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/it/market-reports/industrial-cable-reels-market-111295
[5] [14] Industrial Reels Market Report 2025 – Global Forecast to 2030
[11] [12] [13] Cable Handling Equipment Market Size And Projection