Industrial Heating’s monthly economic indicators for February 2009 showed improvement for the first time since August 2008. Three indices increased from last month’s figures while the fourth remained at the same level. In fact, the change in the number of request for quotes experienced almost a full one-point increase. The change in the number of orders also increased significantly from January. All four indices, however, remained under 50 for the fifth straight month. February 2009’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their January 2009 business levels to their December 2008 levels.

• Change in number of request for quotes from December to January – 45.7
• Change in number of orders from December to January – 40.5
• Change in backlog from December to January – 35.4
• Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through February – 39.3

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 March’s Industrial Heating.