Industrial Heating’smonthly economic indicators for November 2008 failed to show growth in the thermal-processing industry for the second straight month. All four indices were under 50 in consecutive months for the first time since July-August 2003. The change in the number of orders increased in November to 46.9 from 45.9 in October. Request for quotes and change in backlog both dropped a point from October. November 2008’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their October 2008 business levels to their September 2008 levels.
  • Change in number of request for quotes from September to October – 47.3
  • Change in number of orders from September to October – 46.9
  • Change in backlog from September to October – 46.0
  • Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through Nov. – 43.6
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 of December’s Industrial Heating.