Industrial Heating’s monthly economic indicators for January 2017 continued to show growth. More importantly, three of the four indices increased from December 2016. The expected change in the health of the industry was at its highest level in six years, and the change in backlog was at its highest level since November 2014. January 2017’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their December 2016 business levels to their November 2016 levels. January 2017’s index numbers:

• Change in number of request for quotes from Nov. to Dec. – 54.0
• Change in number of orders from Nov. to Dec. – 54.0
• Change in backlog from Nov. to Dec. – 51.9
• Expected change in the health of the industry through Jan. – 58.0

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 February 2017’s Industrial Heating.