April 11. U.S. manufacturing technology orders fell 14.8 percent in February compared to year-ago levels, according to the Association For Manufacturing Technology. February’s total of $304.74 million was also down 10.6 percent from January’s $341.02 million. With a year-to-date total of $645.76 million, 2015 is down 9.8 percent from 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 AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “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.”

The United States Manufacturing Technology Orders Report, measures manufacturing technology net new orders every month based on gross order and cancellation data collected from America’s distributors and builders of manufacturing technology.  The report provides national U.S. consumption data of domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment, as well as on a regional basis for five geographic breakdowns of the United States.  These orders include both domestically produced manufacturing technology and products that have some non-U.S. content, but have some work added domestically.  Increases in dollar volume of manufacturing technology orders show that more manufacturing work on the end product is occurring in the U.S.

Manufacturing technology encompasses everything between raw materials and finished product.  Manufacturing technology turns raw materials such as steel, iron, plastic, ceramics, composites, and alloys from their original shape as stock materials into what will become durable goods such as airplanes, cars, and appliances in every day use.

Manufacturing technology orders are an indication of the vitality of America’s industrial base.  Changes in orders are a confirmation of recovery, often establishing an upturn or downturn long before the traditional indicators identify a recovery in full bloom.