Industrial Heating's monthly economic indicators for October 2006 showed continued growth in the thermal-processing industry. October is the 38th consecutive month of economic growth as measured by Industrial Heating's indicators. Since August 2003, all four indices measured by Industrial Heating have been above 50.0, the index number indicating growth. Three of October's indices, however, showed a decrease from September 2006. October 2006's index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their September 2006 business levels to their August 2006 levels. October 2006 index numbers:
  • Change in number of request for proposals from August to September - 54.6
  • Change in number of orders from August to September - 53.7
  • Change in backlog from August to September - 53.9
  • Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through October - 56.3


A number above 50.0 indicates increased activity or growth. A number below 50.0 indicates decreased activity or a decline in growth. Roughly 1,200 industry suppliers are contacted via e-mail to participate in a web-based survey the first full week of each month.