AIMCAL's Economic Index Forecasts Improvement

Published: January 14, 2010

FORT MILL, SC | The Assn. of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters & Laminators presents results from its fourth quarter economic survey, called the Economic Index.

While results for the fourth quarter appear to be split with the forecasted outlook continuing to rise, the current outlook has fallen back, according Alto Mila Consulting, Cleveland, OH, which conducts the survey for AIMCAL. However, encouraging improvements are reported in the labor market for the third consecutive quarter, rising more than 23 points this quarter and more than 50 points this past year. Even the average employee workweek index increased significantly for a second consecutive quarter, representing the highest value reported since Q4 2007. Despite this improvement, the forecasted average employee workweek index decreased, the first decrease since Q2 2008.

Capital expenditures indexes also rose, indicating companies are continuing to invest in their businesses. The current index reading is reportedly the highest reading in more than a year, with the  forecasted index representing the highest reported value since the survey stared in October 2002.

Members of AIMCAL who responded to the survey also reported on their expectation for sales revenues for 2010. More than 70% of members, across all segments (converters, equipment suppliers, and material suppliers) reported their companies are expecting 2010 sales to be 5% or higher than 2009. Additionally, 23% of members reported they expect 2010 revenues to be 20% or more higher than 2009.