Industrial Heating’smonthly economic indicators for August 2009 showed marked improvement from July’s figures. In fact, all four indices increased from last month. Perhaps most important, the expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry was at its highest level (53.0) since July 2008. The change in the number of request for quotes (51.9) also showed growth. The change in the number of orders and change in backlog, however, both stayed under 50 for the 11th straight month. August’s index numbers:
  • Change in number of request for quotes from June to July – 51.9
  • Change in number of orders from June to July – 48.3
  • Change in backlog from June to July – 48.1
  • Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through August – 53.0
August 2009’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their July 2009 business levels to their June 2009 levels. A number above 50.0 indicates increased activity or growth. A number below 50.0 indicates decreased activity or a decline in growth.