MAPI Reports Solid Manufacturing Growth In 2006, Predicts Slightly Slower In 2007
According to a recent press release from MAPI, a leading executive development and business research organization, solid growth for the manufacturing sector in 2006 will likely be followed by some deceleration in 2007. According to the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Industrial Outlook (ER-607e), first quarter 2006 figures show that 21 of the 27 industries tracked in the report had inflation-adjusted new orders or production above the level of one year ago, indicating broad-based growth in the industrial sector.
Top industry performers in the first quarter, recording year-over-year double-digit growth, were mining and oil and gas field machinery (42%); communications equipment (27%); aerospace products and parts (18%); construction machinery (17%); navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments (15%); semiconductors (15%); electrical equipment (14%); and oil and gas well drilling (11%).
Daniel J. Meckstroth, Ph.D., Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Chief Economist and author of the analysis, reports that five industries are expected to enjoy double-digit growth in 2006, but only one is expected to hit that benchmark in 2007. In 2006, communications equipment should rise by a robust 22%; mining and oil and gas field machinery is likely to increase by 17%; aircraft and parts growth should jump 15%; navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments is expected to gain by 11%; and electrical equipment is slated to rise by 10%. Following growth of 9% in 2006, computer equipment production is likely to grow by 13% in 2007.
The Alliance expects some deceleration in manufacturing industrial production by 2007. Factors for the retrenchment include higher long-term interest rates, increased cost of energy for business, high gasoline prices for consumers, and a growing trade imbalance, among others. Manufacturing industrial production grew 3.9% in 2005 and should grow 4.6% in 2006 before decelerating to 2.5% growth in 2007.
“Costs are important,” Meckstroth explained. “Manufacturing is relatively energy-intensive and the run-up in energy prices and other commodities will encourage conservation and reduce the growth rate of manufactured products. Equally important are interest rates and housing prices. Spending for motor vehicles, housing, and other big ticket items are expected to fall this year and next. Capital equipment spending cannot compensate for all the moderation in consumer durables next year.”
For more information about industry trends and MAPI, visit http://www.mapi.net
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Firmware Subscription Service Helps Keep Installed Products Up To Date
AutomationDirect now offers e-mail notification of updates to the firmware of its products. The user can subscribe and receive updates for as many product groups as desired. Product groups include all DirectLOGIC PLC families, and the C-more touch panels. Once notified, the user can visit the AutomationDirect Web site and download the updated firmware. To subscribe to the service, only a valid e-mail address is required, and it is not shared with any third party.
Visit https://notify.automationdirect.com/firmware
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New AC Drives Training Class Offered By Interconnecting Automation Inc.
Interconnecting Automation Inc., led by the highly-respected automation products trainer Doug Bell, will begin offering two-day classes in AC Drives in the fall of 2006. Topics covered include AC induction motor and variable frequency drive fundamentals, VFD power circuit analysis, installation requirements and best practices in preventive and corrective maintenance. Hands-on exercises with drives and motors familiarize the student with real-world conditions and performance. The class is being taught by Dave Cavanaugh, whose experience includes a 20-year Navy career as an Interior Communications Electrician and Gas Turbine Systems Electrical Technician and 19 years as a Field Service and Technical Support Engineer for Eaton Electrical. His teaching experience includes three years as a Navy instructor on gas turbines. Cavanaugh is currently Technical Training Manager for Superior Drives Services, Inc. with duties that include developing and conducting technical training, and assisting with Field Service. The cost for the two-day seminar is $649 per person, which includes a discount coupon for a drive purchase from AutomationDirect.
The tentative schedule for the Drives Training Course includes the following dates and locations:
• Sept. 19-20, 2006, Atlanta GA*
• Nov. 14-15, 2006, Chicago IL
• Feb. 6-7, 2007, Cleveland OH
• March 13-14, 2007, Irvine CA
• May 15-16, 2007, Atlanta GA*
(*Classes held at AutomationDirect headquarters in Cumming, GA.)
For more information and to register, visit
www.interconnectingautomation.com
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AutomationDirect’s Growth Requires Additional Technical Professionals
In recent years, AutomationDirect has expanded into new product areas as well as increased its customer base dramatically. To support this growth, professionals in the areas of Technical Support, IT/programming and Product Management are needed at the headquarters facility outside Atlanta, Georgia. The company offers excellent benefits, a casual yet productive work environment, and competitive compensation, including profit sharing. To view current open positions requirements and to submit an online application, visit jobs.automationdirect.com
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LEARN.AUTOMATIONDIRECT.COM Will Offer Pre-Recorded Tutorials
AutomationDirect’s live Web seminars have covered a wide range of subjects, including PLC programming, HMI, and Ethernet networking. Now these and more topics will also be covered by a new learning site, where users can view in-depth product overviews and tutorials at their own pace and convenience. The site, http://learn.automationdirect.com, will be updated frequently, and will offer not only product-specific information, but also links to additional education on topics of general interest. The site is planned for launch in 4th quarter 2006.
