Up 43.4% from July and 2.1% from August 2005, August 2006 U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $300.15 million, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association. With a year-to-date total of $2,381.37 million, 2006 was up 22.3% compared with 2005.
"August consumption was unusually high, but not surprising when you consider that some industries, such as construction equipment, are working at 100% of capacity," said John B. Byrd III, AMT president. "Buyers for many industries were very active at the recent International Manufacturing Technology Show, looking for both increased productivity and for capacity advances. Clearly, the year will end on a high note as orders taken at IMTS are realized."
Breaking down the figures by region:
Northeast Region - $45.79 million, up 11.1% from July
Southern Region - $44.08 million, up 24.6% from July
Midwest Region - $71.06 million, up 22.3% from July
Central Region - $83.40 million, up 22.3% from July
Western Region - $55.82 million, up 74.9% from July