Metalforming companies predict a spike in business conditions during the next three months. That's according to the December 2011 Precision Metalforming Association Business Conditions Report.
In summary:
Thirty-three percent of participants expect economic activity to improve during the next three months--up sharply from 11% in November--while 57% predict that activity will remain unchanged. Only 10% of respondents report that activity will decline, down from 28% in November.
Metalforming companies also expect a significant increase in incoming orders during the next three months, with 40% anticipating an increase in orders (up from only 21% in November), while 48% forecasting no change. By comparison, only 12% predict a decrease in orders.
“Current orders and shipments for PMA member companies have slowed modestly during Q-4,” said William E. Gaskin, PMA president. “However, year-to-date through October, the typical member company is still up 8% in new orders and 12% in shipments. The December Business Conditions Report supports the expectation that member companies believe their customers will ramp up production after the holidays, and that 2012 will be a year with modest continued growth for manufacturers.”
The complete December 2011 PMA report is available online.
