Manufacturing-Technology Orders Post Best Performance Since 2018
August 9, 2021Comments
According to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, orders for new equipment for the first half of 2021 climbed 49 percent over the first half of 2020 and represent the best half-year period since 2018.
“The manufacturing technology industry has rebounded from the pandemic-induced recession in a phenomenal way,” says Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “The first half of 2021 is only 3 percent below 2018, when orders were at a two-decade high. Not only has the industry recovered from the 2020 slump, but orders now are exceeding the pre-pandemic trend.
“In May 2021, we noted the increase in orders for manufacturers of metal valves,” Woods adds. “In a similar fashion, manufacturers of hardware, springs, screws, nut, and bolts have significantly increased orders. These low-complexity, high-volume parts can be shipped within weeks of a machine being delivered. Production of these commodity parts domestically appears to be an effort by manufacturers to diversify their supply chains in response to the global climate of material and shipping constraints.
“We also note that medical-equipment manufacturers increased orders substantially in June, with orders up almost 60 percent compared with the first half of 2020. While manufacturers were in a sprint to produce PPE and ventilators this time last year, we’re seeing more sales of multi-function machines as the items produced are shifting back to components required for delayed elective surgeries.”
See also: Association for Manufacturing Technology
Technologies: Management