November U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $329.8 million according to AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was up 2.2 percent from October but down 13.8 percent from November 2014.
With a year-to-date total of $3.8 billion, 2015 was down 17.2 percent when compared with the same point in 2014.
These numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals of actual data reported by companies participating in the USMTO program.
While total order value saw a monthly gain, the number of units sold dropped 16.3 percent. This suggests that manufacturers are increasing their use of automated equipment to add productivity and lower costs, rather than expanding their operations and capacity.
“A significant portion of global manufacturing is experiencing slower growth, especially China, and we continue to struggle with the impacts of a stronger dollar,” said AMT President Douglas Woods. “Investing in productivity and automation technologies is one way that manufacturers look to stay competitive in a softer market, especially as pricing moderates for finished manufactured goods.”
For more detail on U.S. manufacturing technology orders, including data on a regional basis for six geographic breakdowns, download the PDF below.
