Positive trend remains despite fall in orders and confidence: MTA survey
Published : May 12, 2010
Results from the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) monthly members survey for April shows a drop in orders, inquiries and subsequently, confidence, compared to the March 2010 results. Following a spike in orders reported in March, the April fall has not affected the overall trend for orders – which remains positive.
The modest feedback from the April 2010 survey is compared to the survey result from March which was heavily weighted by a small number of large orders. In view of the historical survey results however, the feedback suggests that April was a good month for orders. Although business confidence and inquiry level figures reported in April were lower than the previous month, the overall percentage balance remained positive. When considering the wider context, it is possible this feedback may have been linked the growing uncertainty surrounding the election, and the proximity to the end of the financial year.
Regarding staffing levels, the majority of respondents reported that employment in their company remained the same as the previous month.
Conversely, the MTA’s two-yearly exhibition MACH2010, is presenting a more positive outlook. Visitor pre-registration numbers are well ahead of 2008 figures, and 450 exhibitors are now signed up to showcase their products at the show – certainly an alternative take on the overall confidence of the manufacturing technologies arena.
