Industrial Heating's monthly economic indicators for August 2011 failed to show growth for the first time since November 2010. The change in the number of RFQs and the change in backlog both showed growth, but the change in the number of orders and expected change in the health of the industry failed to reach 50. The change in backlog increased slightly from July. August’s numbers:

• Change in number of request for quotes from June to July – 50.4
• Change in number of orders from June to July – 49.0
• Change in backlog from June to July – 51.9
• Expected change in the health of the industry through Aug. – 46.2

August 2011’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their July 2011 business levels to their June 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 September’s Industrial Heating.