U.S. Demand Up for Machine Tools

U.S. demand for machine tools rose from November to December, and was higher overall in 2005 than in 2004, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). The groups reported yesterday that total U.S. machine tool demand in 2005 rose 8.4% to $3.081 billion from $2.843 billion in 2004. December demand was up 30.8% to $311.03 million from $237.77 million in November. Demand for machine tools, which are used to shape metal for a variety of products, indicates the pace of manufacturing.
AMT noted that the strongest orders came from the Central U.S., due to the region's construction and agricultural equipment industries. But some Midwestern states saw a drop in orders, according to AMT, due to the struggling automotive industry.