AMT has a press release out today titled Manufacturers Need Help: Now!
It cites President Obama's focus on small business lending as a step in the right direction but points to a study that suggests AMT members need more in the way of credit to continue to grow and see innovation. A comment that accompanied the survey responses paints a bleak picture:
“Capital investment in machine tools and equipment has completely stopped,†exclaims an automation equipment manufacturer in Fenton, Mich. “Not slowed down, but stopped. Zero orders.â€
***
This is not exactly in keeping with what I've seen in surveying the industry. I see a lot of rugged survivalism and even optimism out there, and am seeing news stories almost daily on machine shops in corners of the country doing fine despite everything. But the stats don't lie; manufacturing is down.
What do you think of AMT's release? How is the economy looking for our members this week?
