March U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $371 million according to AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was up 36.9 percent from February and down 11.8 percent from March 2015.
Though the monthly gain appears significant, it is important to note that many manufacturing technology firms close the fiscal year on March 31, which in turn drives activity for orders and sales. Overall, the immediate industry outlook remains flat.
“While dealing with persistent economic challenges and a softer market that’s likely to last into the fourth quarter, manufacturers are leveraging productivity gains to stay competitive,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “The outlook from industry economists improves toward year’s end on two particular strengths of the U.S. economy: foreign direct investment and a resurgent consumer base. For now, manufacturing technology makers are focused on finding markets that offer the best opportunity, like automotive, aerospace and medical. Sentiment among manufacturing executives remains optimistic about future capital equipment investment.”
For more detail on U.S. manufacturing technology orders, including data on a regional basis for six geographic breakdowns, download the PDF below.
