Industrial Heating’s monthly economic indicators for March 2017 fell slightly overall from February, but all four indices were still all over 56 for the first time in five years. The change in backlog, which was the lone number to increase from February, was at its highest level since March 2012. The change in the number of request for quotes was at its second-highest point since April 2012. March 2017’s index numbers:

• Change in number of request for quotes from Jan. to Feb. – 59.3
• Change in number of orders from Jan. to Feb. – 57.2
• Change in backlog from Jan. to Feb. – 56.5
• Expected change in the health of the industry through March – 58.1

March 2017’s index numbers reflect the changes experienced by responding companies as they compare their February 2017 business levels to their January 2017 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 2017’s Industrial Heating.