The Economy

US Machine Tool Orders Up Slightly

Oct. 15, 2014

Machine tool orders rise slightly over July's meager results, but do not offset this year's lower demand.

$356.69 million worth of new machine tools and related technology were ordered by U.S. machine shops and other manufacturers during August, less than 1% more than during July ($355.18 million) and 6.0% less than during August 2013.

The figures are drawn from the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report, a monthly summary of actual data prepared by The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT).

USMTO figures are actual data reported by participating manufacturers and distributors, and cover demand for metal-cutting equipment and metal forming and fabricating equipment, both domestically sourced and imported products, with the combined figure representing the monthly total.

Read the full report on American Machinist, a companion site of IndustryWeek and part of Penton's Manufacturing and Supply Chain group.

About the Author

Robert Brooks | Content Director

Robert Brooks has been a business-to-business reporter, writer, editor, and columnist for more than 20 years, specializing in the primary metal and basic manufacturing industries. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including process technology, resource development, material selection, product design, workforce development, and industrial market strategies, among others. Currently, he specializes in subjects related to metal component and product design, development, and manufacturing — including castings, forgings, machined parts, and fabrications.

Brooks is a graduate of Kenyon College (B.A. English, Political Science) and Emory University (M.A. English.)