Economy

Sales in the months of November and December, excluding autos, gas, and restaurant sales, to reach $655.8 million.

Including the downstream sales chain, manufacturing accounts for an estimated 33% of GDP and 33% of employment.

Following the first decline in months, manufacturing activity in September bounced back.

Global demand for materials handling equipment forecast to rise 5.3% per year, spurred by new demand in China and developing countries.

Following a strong growth month for United States-bound waterborne shipments in July, August picked up where July left off and then some, according to recent data issued by Panjiva.

Department of Commerce and NRF report August retail sales dropped 0.3% compared to July at $456.3 billion and were up 1.9% annually.

Shipments up 1.2% compared to July 2015 sales, including a nearly 8% increase in unit handling equipment.

2015 new business volume in materials handling segment hold level with 2014.

Food and consumer goods industries ordered 41% more robots than the same period in 2015.

Shipments increased by 4.0% when compared to June 2015 sales.

Manufacturers in Chicago reflect local and national trends.

Findings suggest manufacturers are racing to innovate amid industry consolidation and fierce competition.

Shipment figures marked the best ever month for May going back to 2007, as well as the highest monthly shipment level since August 2015.

Responses to Brexit were 7% negative, 31% slightly negative, 4% slightly positive, and the remaining 58% anticipate a negligible financial impact.

Buyers’ and suppliers’ insights bring manufacturing industry trends into focus.