Industrial Heating's economic indicators for September 2006 showed continued growth in the thermal-processing industry. September is the 37th 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. All four of September 2006's indices increased over August 2006's numbers.

September 2006's index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their August 2006 business levels to their July 2006 levels. September 2006 index numbers:
  • Change in number of request for proposals from July to August - 56.6
  • Change in number of orders from July to August - 55.4
  • Change in backlog from July to August - 55.6
  • Expected change in the health of thermal-processing industry through Sept. - 55.4


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.