Industrial Heating’smonthly economic indicators for March 2009 continued to show improvement. Three of the four indices increased from February’s figures, and the expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry was at its highest level in four months. The change in the number of request for quotes was also at its highest level since November 2008. All four indices, however, remained under 50 for the sixth consecutive month. March 2009’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their February 2009 business levels to their January 2009 levels.
  • Change in number of request for quotes from January to February – 47.0
  • Change in number of orders from January to February – 39.5
  • Change in backlog from January to February – 36.3
  • Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through March – 41.9
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, in April’sIndustrial Heating.