Computer equipment, communications equipment, electronic instruments, and mining and oil and gas field machinery are four segments of manufacturing likely to post double-digit growth this year, according to the Manufacturers Alliance, an Arlington, Va.-based business and public policy research group.
The alliance expects spending for computer equipment to grow 12% in 2006; production of communications equipment to grow 19%; electronic instruments to register a 14% increase in production; and mining and oil and gas filed machinery production to rise 20%.
At the other end of the business spectrum, the alliance expects a 1% decline in domestic alumina and aluminum production this year and a 2% decline in motor vehicle and parts production.