The June Precision Metalforming Association report shows that 59% of participants predict that economic activity will remain unchanged during the next three months, compared to 63% in May, while 28% believe that activity will improve, up from 23% in May. A mere 13% forecast that activity will decline, ccompared to 14% in May.
The June PMA report also indicates that metalforming companies expect incoming orders to remain fairly steady during the next three months, with 31% anticipating an increase in orders, down from 34% in May. Fifty-two percent predict no change, compared to 47% last month, and 17% expecting a decrease in orders, down from 19% in May.
Other findings: 32% of participants report that shipping levels are above those seen three months ago; 44% of respondents report that shipping levels are the same as three months ago; and 24% expect decrease in shipping levels, up from 18% in May.
On the employment front, the percentage of metalforming companies with a portion of their workforce on short time or layoff increased to 12% in June, up from 11% in May. The June figure is lower than it was one year ago, when 14% of metalformers reported workers on short time or layoff.
“The metalforming industry continues to experience solid orders and shipping levels, and generally expects more of the same over the next quarter,” said William E. Gaskin, PMA president. “Compared to the first half of 2012, orders are tracking modestly higher, with 3% year-over-year growth, while shipments have fallen about 5% compared to 2012 for the average PMA member company.”
The full June 2013 PMA results are available online.
