Industrial Heating’smonthly economic indicators for May 2007 showed continued growth in the thermal-processing industry. All four indices measured by Industrial Heatingwere above 50.0, the index number indicating growth. The change in the number of orders and the change in backlog both experienced significant growth. The number of orders index reached 59.0, the highest it has been since February 2006. The change in backlog index (58.8) was the highest it has been since April 2006. All four indices were over 55.0 for the first time since September 2006. May 2007’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their April 2007 business levels to their March 2007 levels.
  • Change in number of request for quotes from March to April – 57.7
  • Change in number of orders from March to April – 59.0
  • Change in backlog from March to April – 58.8
  • Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through May – 55.2
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 Business Trends page in the June 2007 issue ofIndustrial Heating.