Economy

Autumn Boost Expected by Metalformers
Written by Sandy Williams
September 27, 2017
Autumn is expected to bring stronger economic activity and more work for metalforming companies, according to the latest survey by the Precision Metalforming Association.
“Metalforming companies are greeting fall with increased optimism,” said PMA President Roy Hardy. “Predictions from our industry reflect the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report which showed growth through some 36,000 new manufacturing jobs created last month. More work requires more workers so metalformers and our supporters in government should redouble efforts to address the skills gap and provide training opportunities.”
Current daily shipping levels spiked in September, said the PMA. Forty-one percent of survey participants reported shipping levels as higher than three months ago, compared to just 28 percent in August.
Four percent of companies surveyed had workers on short time or layoff in September, compared to 3 percent in August, and 8 percent a year ago.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy

Chicago Business Barometer falls back in April, remains in contraction
The Chicago Business Barometer declined in April, reversing March’s gains, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

Fewer manufacturers optimistic about the economy
PMA’s April report shows that only 16% of surveyed manufacturers anticipate an increase in economic activity in the next three months (down from 23% in March)

Architecture billings continue to slide in March
Architecture firms said billings continued to decline in March, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.

Beige Book shows concerns about trade policy
Manufacturing was mixed, but two-thirds of districts said activity was little changed or had declined.

New York state manufacturing index drops again in April
Firms were pessimistic, with the future general business conditions index falling to its second lowest reading in the more than 20-year history of the survey