Industrial Heating's monthly economic indicators for April 2012 showed growth for the third month in a row. More importantly, all four indices were over 53 for only the fourth time in two years. The change in the number of request for quotes was at its second-highest level since February 2008, and the expected change in the health of the industry was over 56 for only the third time since October 2007. All four figures did drop slightly from March. April 2012’s numbers:                                                 

• Change in number of request for quotes from Feb. to March – 58.6
• Change in number of orders from Feb. to March – 55.7
• Change in backlog from Feb. to March – 53.1
• Expected change in the health of the industry through April – 56.6

April 2012’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their March 2012 business levels to their February 2012 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 May 2012’s Industrial Heating.