New orders take flight at US factories

Manufacturing News, Source : TheManufacturer.com
Published : 06 Dec 2005 21:42

The US Department of Commerce announced that new orders at US factories climbed $8.6 billion, or 2.2 percent in October, following a 1.4 percent drop in September, due in large part to increased demand for aircraft.

The overall strength in new orders was seen by many as a good sign of economic recovery for manufacturers. However, some weakness was noted in orders for automobiles, computers, metals, and electrical equipment, though this was offset by the surge in aerospace orders.

According to the Commerce report, shipments, which were up five of the last six months, increased $4.1 billion, or one percent, to $397.6 billion. This followed a 0.4 percent September decrease. Unfilled orders, up six consecutive months, climbed $9.3 billion. Inventories increased $2.7 billion to $466.3 billion, after being up for four of the last five months.

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