2009

Canadian manufacturers experienced an increase in sales while U.S. manufacturers had a drop in sales in June 2009 according to sales data released by the Power Transmission Distributors Association. Confidence in the Canadian market (as measured on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being most optimistic) rose slightly by 0.1% from last month to 4.4, while U.S. confidence is holding at a current negative position of 4.8 for the third consecutive month.

U.S. manufacturers’ sales fell by 2.8% in June 2009 when compared to May 2009. Sales in June 2009 fell 32.9% compared to the same period last year. Orders in June 2009 decreased by 5.3% over May 2009 orders.

Canadian manufacturers’ sales increased 7.6% compared to May 2009. Sales were down 25.5% when compared to the same period last year. …

Fluor Corp., Irving, TX, reported second quarter sales of $5.3 billion, down 8% from second quarter 2008. Profit declined 19% to $169 million.

For the first six months, sales were $11.1 billion, up 5% from the first half of 2008. Profit increased 8.5% to $374 million.

Fluor’s Industrial & Infrastructure segment reported sales of $998 million, up 9% from the prior year. …

General Bearing Corp., West Nyack, NY, reported second-quarter sales of $41.3 million, a decrease of 40.3% from the prior year same period. Profit was $92,000, compared to $2.7 million a year ago.

For the six months ended July 4, 2009, sales were $21.5 million, down 38.7% from the first half of 2008. The manufacturer of bearings and bearing components recorded a loss of $180,000 for the term, compared to profit of $1.5 million the prior …