Industrial Heating’smonthly economic indicators for March were all over 50 for the fourth straight month. More importantly, all four indices were up from February’s numbers. The expected change in the health of the industry was at its highest level (55.8) since October 2007. Meanwhile, the change in the number of request for quotes and the change in the number of orders were both at their highest respective levels since February 2008. March’s index numbers:
  • Change in number of request for quotes from January to February – 58.3
  • Change in number of orders from January to February – 55.8
  • Change in backlog from January to February – 54.5
  • Expected change in the health of the thermal-processing industry through March – 55.8
March 2010’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their February 2010 business levels to their January 2010 levels. 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.