MTA survey shows uplift in orders

MTA March survey shows optimism for a strong second half of 2010

Results from the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) monthly survey for March show significant increases in order intake and invoiced sales amongst member companies. In addition, the survey reports a higher level of business confidence, an increase in new business enquiries and reveals that compared to February, more companies are employing staff than making redundancies.

The feedback from the March 2010 survey is the most positive since the survey began in July 2009; a real indication that engineering based manufacturers are optimistic and that improved economic conditions are building towards a strong second half of 2010.

Net order intake was very positive and March invoiced sales were also higher than in February, with the majority of respondents reporting a rise in sales. In addition, no respondents reported that business confidence was down, or that the levels of business enquiries were down; March 2010 was the first MTA Flash Survey in which zero respondents felt this way. The survey also indicated that, for the first time in a year, the industry is recruiting, rather than shedding, staff.