With 80 companies responding, the PMPA Business Trends Index for November 2018 declined 11 points to 130,
which was (still) an all-time high for the month of November! Shops reporting sales declines outnumbered those reporting
gains by a ratio of 4:1- not at all unexpected considering the seasonality of shipments this time of year. The Business Trends
Sales Index remains on track to close the year up 8% over 2017.“- PMPA Business Trends Report for November 2018

Though down eleven points from October’s high, PMPA’s November Business Trends Index remains unseasonably strong.

Outlook for next three months:

  • Net Sales: The sales outlook resumes positive expectations for the next three months despite seasonal
    factors.
  • Lead Times: Eighty- six percent of respondents expect lead times to remain the same or increase in the
    next three months.
  •  Employment: Prospects for employment continue to be positive with ninety-seven percent (97%) expecting
    level or increased opportunities for employment.
  • Profitability: Eighty-five percent of our respondents expect business and margins to remain strong for the
    next three months, just a slight decline from the prior month.

In our April report we forecast that our index of sales would finish the year at 135, up 8% over calendar year 2017. As of this November report, we are at 135, up 8 percent over 2017 with just one month to go.
How is your shop’s performance compared to last year?

Published December 2018

By PMPA Staff

ABF found early success in manufacturing components for push-pull cables and fluid control parts. As technology advanced within certain industries, ABF learned to pivot to other industries and now offers production machining, milling, drilling and other services for industries including aircraft, automotive, consumer goods and marine.

VIEW ARTICLE