Industrial Heating's monthly Economic Indicators showed the strongest growth in Orders in over 2 years since the indices numbers were first collected. The New Orders Index came in at a record high 62.1, 2.2 points higher than the next highest number that was recorded in September 2003 at 59.9. All three other index numbers recorded values in excess of 55. This is the eighth consecutive month where all four indices have recorded values in excess of 50. March 2004 index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compared their March 2004 business levels to February 2004 levels. Change in number of Request for Proposals from February to March is 60.4, change in the Number of Orders from February to March is 62.1, change in Backlog from February to March is 55.4, and expected change in the Health of Thermal Processing Industry through April is 60.4. 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, on the editorial page of the May 2004 issue of Industrial Heating. Roughly 375 industry suppliers are faxed a survey the first full week of each month. If you are an industry supplier and would like to participate in this monthly survey, please contact Industrial Heating publisher, Doug Glenn, by phone: 412-531-3370; by fax: 412-531-3375; or e-mail: doug@industrialheating.com.