The monthly economic report from the Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA) showed continued signs of optimism for the heat treat economy. This month, like last month, the 11 indices reported on by the organization were mixed; five were up and six were modestly down.
Among those headed north were a triumvirate of manufacturing indices: capital expenditures, durable goods shipments, and factory orders. Industrial capacity utilization was slightly off but still higher than it was one year ago.
Other strong indices were home starts and steel consumption.
On the down side of the equation, new orders (PMI) dipped significantly as did the Credit Manager’s Index. The transportation index also dipped slightly.
In the full, twelve-page report, IHEA Economist, Chris Kuehl, goes into depth on each of the eleven indices explaining their potential impact on the heat treat industry and the causes for their upward or downward motion.
IHEA member companies receive the report free of charge each month as a benefit of membership.
To view the latest IHEA Executive Economic Summary, contact IHEA Executive Director, Anne Goyer by clicking here.
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