Industrial Heating's monthly economic indicators for March 2011 showed growth for the fourth consecutive month. More importantly, all four indices increased from February. The change in the number of request for quotes was at its highest level (57.5) since last March. The change in backlog was over 50 for the 15th time in the past 16th months. March’s index numbers:

• Change in number of request for quotes from January to February – 57.5
• Change in number of orders from January to February – 53.4
• Change in backlog from January to February – 51.4
• Expected change in the health of the industry through March – 51.9

March 2011’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their February 2011 business levels to their January 2011 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’s Industrial Heating.