August Machine Tool Purchases A Mixed Bag

Compiled ByTonya Vinas Manufacturers spent 4% more on machine tools in August than in July, but when compared with August 2001, they spent 24.7% less. According to the U.S. Machine Tool Consumption report -- a statistical program of the Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association -- U.S. machine tool consumption totaled $139.17 million in August, down from the $209.45 million reported in August 2001. The numbers are based on reports from companies participating in the USMTC program. From a regional perspective, year-to-year machine tool consumption was down 43.4% in the Northeast; down 57.3% in the South; down 29.2% in the Midwest; down 17.7% in the central states; and down 19.5% in the West. Month to month, the Northeast and South saw declines from July, but other areas saw increases.