“While the general economy continues to grow at a moderate pace, the manufacturing sector is struggling with the effects of a strong dollar, reduced commodity prices, especially oil, and struggles in key export markets like China”

The latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report showed that orders for manufacturing technology in October 2015 were down 0.3% from September and year to date were down 17.4% compared to the same point in 2014, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

"While the general economy continues to grow at a moderate pace, the manufacturing sector is struggling with the effects of a strong dollar, reduced commodity prices, especially oil, and struggles in key export markets like China," said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. "As the broader industry faces this slowdown, manufacturers are not making significant capital investment in new manufacturing technology."

The U.S. GDP is forecast to grow 2.4% in 2015, but that growth is being fueled mostly by consumer spending. Economic data around manufacturing isnt as positive. The latest PMI from the Institute for Supply Management stood at 48.6, with a reading below 50 indicating contraction. Additionally, the number of net manufacturing jobs dropped by 1,000 while the larger economy added 211,000 jobs. The ISM report and other indicators also show that manufacturers are working to reduce their excess inventory, meaning companies are concerned with the prospects for short-term future growth.

"Market flatness can be expected to remain into 2016, and signs pointing to short-term interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve could potentially hamper the consumer spending that is currently driving economic growth," Woods said. "Manufacturing is the real driver of sustainable economic growth, and tax provisions, such as bonus depreciation and Sec. 179 expensing, encourage the investment in plants and equipment necessary for manufacturing strength and competitiveness. Factories dont have a great deal of excess capacity, meaning any uptick in activity could help the manufacturing economy bounce back."

October U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $327.39 million, down 28.3% compared to $456.44 million in October 2014. Year to date, total orders for 2015 stand at $3,452.82 million, compared to $4,178.71 million at the same point in 2014. This data is a reliable leading economic indicator as manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

About the United States Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report

These numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals of actual data reported by companies participating in the USMTO program. This report, compiled by AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, provides regional and national U.S. orders data of domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment. Analysis of manufacturing technology orders provides a reliable leading economic indicator as manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity.

About AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology

AMT represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members - those who design, build, sell, and service thec ontinuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encouraged research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrows Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org

IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show

The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Placei n Chicago, Ill. IMTS 2016 will run Sept. 12-17. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the worlds preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts more than 114,000 visitors from every level of industry and more than 112 countries. IMTS is owned and managed by AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. www.IMTS.com