ISA: Manufacturers & Distributors Report Mixed Results

Manufacturers reported a stronger month than distributors in February, but business continued to expand for both groups, according to the most recent ISA Economic Indicator Report (EIR) from the Industrial Supply Association.

Manufacturers reported a stronger month than distributors in February, but business continued to expand for both groups, according to the most recent ISA Economic Indicator Report (EIR) from the Industrial Supply Association.

The ISA Manufacturer Index rose from 62.0% in January to 63.2% in February, while the Distributor Index decreased from 66.4% in January to 59.2% in February. For each index, a reading above 50% indicates expansion, while a reading below 50% indicates contraction. The Indexes have been above 50% since December 2012.

“The results for ISA manufacturer members in February appeared to mirror the factory output report from the Federal Reserve, which showed business improved in February compared to January,” said Bryon Shafer, general manager of ASG Industrial and chair of ISA’s Strategic Information Committee. “For distributors, however, growth in February slowed somewhat compared to the previous month. At 59.2%, the Distributor Index remains firmly in positive territory.”

For the complete report, go to www.isapartners.org/index. For additional information contact Bryon Shafer at [email protected] or phone the association headquarters at 215-320-3862 or toll-free at 866-460-2360. The Industrial Supply Association is the leading association for members of the maintenance, repair, operations and production (MROP) supply chain, representing nearly 1,000 companies worldwide.

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