AMT: U.S. Manufacturing Improves, but Outlook is Uncertain
The first three quarters of 2011 have seen the U.S. manufacturing sector rebounding from the worst downturn since the Great Depression. Economic indicators are positive, demand for equipment has increased, and government support of manufacturing is encouraging. We at AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology – watch key indicators closely for our industry and our customers’ markets. We track the outlook for manufacturing technology orders and the predictions for the markets that our member companies serve, primarily durables manufacturing. While indications point toward continued recovery, the industry needs support to regain its rightful place atop the U.S. economy. So far in 2011, order levels for our industry are up more than 108 percent from 2010, according to data from the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report. That is on top of a very good order year in 2010, which was an 85 percent gain over 2009! At this point, signs point toward continued growth -- albeit at a slightly slower pace, which is to be expected as orders approach their more normal, pre-recession levels. more....