October 18, 2011

US INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INCREASES IN SEPTEMBER

Bloomberg News
"Industrial production in the US advanced in September on growing demand for automobiles and computers after stalling the prior month, a sign manufacturers are contributing to growth. Output at factories, mines and utilities increased 0.2 percent."

NATURAL GAS FALLS ON CONCERNS STOCKPILES MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO MEET DEMAND
Bloomberg News
Bloomberg reported today that natural gas prices "dropped for the first time in three days in New York on speculation that stockpiles will approach a record before winter heating demand reduces inventories."

Natural gas for November delivery lost 1.5 cents, or 0.4 percent, to settle at $3.688 per million British thermal units on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Futures fell "as an Energy Department report last week showed that US stockpiles climbed by 112 billion cubic feet in the week ended Oct. 7, more than a five- year average gain of 72 billion. Supplies may rise to 3.77 trillion at the end of October, according to the department, near a record 3.84 trillion last November, Bloomberg data show."

MANUFACTURING OUTPUT UP 4% IN SEPTEMBER
Quick Manufacturing News
Industrial production increased 0.2% in September after having been unchanged in August. Click to continue

SHORTAGE OF SKILLED WORKERS TAKING ITS TOLL ON U.S. MANUFACTURERS
Quick Manufacturing News
The skills gap is making it harder for companies to grow, innovate and boost productivity, survey finds. Click to continue

DOW WANTS TO BOLSTER TRADITIONAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Quick Manufacturing News
Commits $25 million annually toward ensuring a 'vital pipeline of talent and research is available to fuel the discoveries and solutions of tomorrow.' Click to continue

STEVE JOBS LEAVES A LEGACY FOR MANUFACTURING
Today in Manufacturing
I think manufacturers should reflect on what Jobs did with what he had, how grateful we should be that he didn't wait for someone to follow ... continue

US HOMEBUILDERS LESS PESSIMISTIC, BUT STILL MISERABLE
Today in Manufacturing
An index of builder sentiment this month rose from 14 to 18, while any reading below 50 indicates negative sentiment about the housing market ... continue