Manufacturing technology consumption continues strong year-over-year growth

The American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA) ( www.amtda.org) and the Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) ( www. amtonline.org) say November, 2006 U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $335.02 million, down 12.3 percent from October but up 32.7 percent from the total of $252.38 million reported for November, 2005. With a year-to-date total of $3,549.90 million, 2006 was up 29.4 percent compared with 2005. These numbers are based on the totals of actual data reported by companies participating in the U.S. Machine Tool Consumption program compiled jointly by the two trade associations.
"Though below the exceptional September peak, the November results continue to show strong purchases of advanced manufacturing technology equipment," said John J. Healy, AMTDA president. "This is a positive sign for the health of U.S. manufacturing industries in the years to come."
Consumption is also reported for five geographic regions.
Northeast Region
With a November total of $57.88 million, manufacturing technology consumption in the Northeast Region was up 13.9 percent from October's $50.80 million and 53.0 percent higher than in November 2005. At $527.03 million, year-to-date consumption was 40.0 percent higher than the comparable total in 2005.

Southern Region
November manufacturing technology consumption in the Southern Region stood at $32.94 million, down 14.3 percent from October's $38.44 million and down 22.7 percent when compared with last November. Year-to-date consumption was $443.93 million, level with the comparable figure a year ago.

Midwestern Region
Midwestern Region manufacturing technology consumption in November totaled $101.66 million, 31.1 percent less than October's $147.62 million, but 50.9 percent higher than the November 2005 tally. At $1,116.12 million, the year-to-date total was 17.0 percent higher than the comparable figure in 2005.

Central Region
At $99.53 million, November Central Region manufacturing technology consumption was 10.1 percent higher than October's $90.41 million and 47.3 percent higher than the November 2005 total. The $928.64 million tallied year-to-date beat the 2005 total by 55.5 percent.

Western Region
November manufacturing technology consumption in the Western Region stood at $43.01 million, 21.7 percent less than October's $54.92 million, but 16.3 percent higher than the November 2005 figure. At $534.18 million, year-to-date consumption was 42.9 percent higher than the comparable figure in 2005.