Electroindustry business confidence: Highest in nearly 4 years, NEMA says; other gains

Though NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions retreated slightly in June, a companion indicator of expected conditions six-month ahead climbed to its highest level in nearly four years, NEMA reported on June 24.
Several other indicators show optimism for manufacturing, which . This is
In separate news, Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution (MWD) National Survey , released June 22. Respondents to the survey say they expect their companies to rebound from the current recession beginning in late 2009 and early 2010. In general, companies predict an earlier rebound for their own businesses than for their industry or the U.S. economy. Also, technology related workers are in much higher demand than the general workforce, findings suggest.
Manufacturing remains important
On June 9, a new annual index released today by Deloitte LLP and The Manufacturing Institute shows that Americans view manufacturing as the most important industry for a strong national economy. A perception gap remains between the public’s highly positive views of manufacturing’s contributions to America’s economic success and their negative views about pursuing a career in manufacturing. The survey, Public Viewpoint on Manufacturing, which assessed public perceptions and understanding of a wide range of issues related to manufacturing, shows that the majority of respondents (71%) view manufacturing as a national priority with 59% agreeing that the U.S. manufacturing industry effectively competes on a global scale. These results fall in line with public perceptions that manufacturing plays a larger role in overall economic prosperity compared to the technology, energy, health care, retail, communications, and financial services industries.
More on NEMA’s outlook
NEMA’s EBCI for future North American business conditions rose in June for a fourth month in a row, increasing nearly 3 points to 68.2, the highest level since August 2005. This indicates a growing proportion of industry executives see an improvement of at least some degree in the business environment within the next six months from today’s depressed levels, NEMA explains.
The EBCI for current conditionsusiness confidence of the electroindustry in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America, and is based on the results of a monthly survey of senior managers at NEMA member companies. Those companies represent more than 80% of the electroindustry. Click here to see the NEMA EBCI June 2009 report .
In addition see an April 21 report about

how several indicators suggest growing optimism among manufacturers

.
– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor in chief, Control Engineering , www.controleng.com

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.