Three of Industrial Heating's November 2006 indices measured above 50.0, the number indicating growth in the thermal-processing industry. One of the four indices, however, fell just under 50.0 at 49.8. Industrial Heating's monthly economic indicators for November 2006 also showed a slight overall decline from October's numbers. November 2006's index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their October 2006 business levels to their September 2006 levels. November 2006 index numbers:
  • Change in number of request for proposals from September to October - 49.8
  • Change in number of orders from September to October - 53.4
  • Change in backlog from September to October - 53.1
  • Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through November - 51.9


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 next issue of Industrial Heating.