February U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $304.7 million according to AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was down 10.6 percent from January’s $341 million and down 14.8 percent compared to February 2014.

“U.S. manufacturing is facing some pressure in terms of a stronger dollar and lower capital expenditures from the energy industry, but in taking the long view, we’re still in a good position overall," said Douglas K. Woods, AMT president. "The automotive and aerospace industries continue to be strong performers, and a number of international manufacturers are making significant investments in U.S. production facilities. We project that manufacturing technology orders will gain momentum as we move through the second quarter."

North Central-East Region

North Central-East Region manufacturing technology orders in February totaled $70.8 million, down 23.2 percent from January’s $92.2 million and 15.2 percent lower than the February 2014 total. At $163 million, year-to-date orders are 3.3 percent less than in 2014 at the same time.

North Central-West Region

With a February total of $77.1 million, North Central-West Region manufacturing technology orders were up 34.5 percent from January’s $57.33 million and up 34.5 percent from last February. Year-to-date orders totaled $134.4 million, up 26.5 percent from the comparable figure for 2014.