Manufacturers of metalformed products anticipate an increase in economic activity and incoming orders in the next three months, according to the latest monthly report from the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).

The latest PMA Business Conditions Report, issued Jan. 27, found that 49% of surveyed manufacturers expect an increase in general economic activity in the next three months — up from 26% in December. 43% percent of respondents expect no change (57% in Dec), while 8% expect a decrease (17% in Dec).

Metalformers also predict an increase in incoming orders in the next three months, with 53% of respondents affirming a rise, up from 48% in December, while 50% expect no change (32% in Dec), and only 10% expect a decrease, down from 20% in December.

Current shipping levels also rebounded in January. 20% of respondents reported an increase in January (up from 11% in Dec), 50% reported no change (up from 38% in Dec) and 30% reported a decrease (down from 51% in Dec).

Other notes:

• On the staffing front, only 6% of respondents reported having workers on short time or layoff in January (down from 9% in Dec), while 33% indicated they are expanding their workforce (29% in Dec).
• Lead times remained steady in January, 13% of respondents reported an increase in lead times, the same as in December

“The January PMA Business Conditions Report shows that our members remain resilient and optimistic that economic activity will improve over the next three months,” said PMA President David Klotz. “With more companies forecasting growth in orders and activity, manufacturers are more confident that customers will look to source more products domestically. That optimism, however, depends on a more stable and predictable trade environment—one that gives manufacturers the certainty they need to invest, grow and plan for the future.”

PMA is the full-service trade association representing the $137-billion metalforming industry of North America that creates precision metal products using stamping, fabricating, spinning, slide forming and roll forming technologies and other value-added processes. Its more than 900 member companies also include suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry.