Industrial Heating's monthly economic indicators for January 2012 were down from December 2011’s figures, as three of four indices experienced a decrease. The change in backlog (48.8) was at its lowest level since November 2009. Conversely, the expected change in the health of the industry (51.9), which was the lone figure to experience an increase from last month, was at its highest level since May 2011. January 2012’s numbers:                                                 

• Change in number of request for quotes from Nov. to Dec. – 49.1
• Change in number of orders from Nov. to Dec. – 50.6
• Change in backlog from Nov. to Dec. – 48.8
• Expected change in the health of the industry through Jan. – 51.9

January 2012’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their December 2011 business levels to their November 2011 levels. A number above 50.0 indicates increased activity or growth. A number below 50.0 indicates decreased activity or a decline in growth. Look for these numbers, along with historical values, in February 2012’s Industrial Heating.