U.S. M-T orders levels jump in September, thanks to a strong show.

"Strong sales at September's International Manufacturing Technology Show pushed year-to-date consumption to its largest lead over 2005," notes John J. Healy, president of the American distributors' trade association. "It now looks likely that 2006 will post the best results for U.S. investment in

According to the U.S. Machine Tool Consumption series of monthly order statistics compiled jointly by his organization and by show organizer AMT--The Assn. for Manufacturing Technology, September manufacturing technology bookings totaled $407.2-million. That number is up 32% from August and up 43% from the number reported in September 2005.

With a year-to-date total of $2,815.3-million, 2006 thus far is up 26% compared with 2005. The statistics come from data reported by participating builders, importers, and distributors. The statistics are broken down by five geographical customer regions, and the nation-wide boost in the IMTS month was not shared equally across regions. Compared to September a year ago, the Central region's $119.8-million in orders was 119% above last year. The West posted $62.l-million in September orders, up 65% over last year. The Northeast was 50% higher, the Midwest September number was 15% higher, but the South's monthly number was 6% less.

On a year-to-date basis--with the entire country's order level 26% more than the first nine months of last year--the Central area is running 60% better, the West 46% ahead, the Northeast 36% higher, the Midwest 7% more, and the South 3% stronger than 2005.

Amer. Machine Tool Distributors' Assn., Rockville, Md. 301-738-1200.

AMT--The Assn. for Mfg. Technology, McLean, Va. 703-893-2900.