Industrial Heating’s monthly economic indicators for February 2017 reached heights not seen in over a decade. The change in the number of orders was at its highest level since February 2006, and the expected change in the health of the industry was at its highest level since April 2005. The change in the number of request for quotes, meanwhile, reached 60 for just the fourth time in the past 11 years. February 2017’s index numbers:

• Change in number of request for quotes from Dec. to Jan. – 60.6
• Change in number of orders from Dec. to Jan. – 59.5
• Change in backlog from Dec. to Jan. – 54.8
• Expected change in the health of the industry through Feb. – 59.7

This month’s numbers marked the first time since February 2014 that all four indices were over 54. February 2017’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their January 2017 business levels to their December 2016 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 March 2017’s Industrial Heating.