CHICAGO (MNI) – The following are comments from members of the
survey panel who contributed to the March MNI Chicago Report released
Thursday:
1. The last few weeks our orders are up compared to previous
months, hope this is a good sign for months to come.
2. We have a big issue as related to available capacity in the
foundries. The availability of trained machinists is still a serious
issue.
3. Our business isn’t bad but we are not booming.
4, Real estate lending remains weak. C&I lending beginning to
improve but is very competitive. Small businesses remain weak.
5. High oil prices are having a negative impact on most chemicals
and on freight costs. Major commodities are costing more because of
higher fuel prices.
6. Some key suppliers are quoting shorter lead times because of
their decreasing backlogs.
7. New orders were very light this month but our backlog may have
discouraged some of those looking for short lead times.
8. Tipping point for oil pricing and impact on raw materials and
Total Cost of Operations (TCO) is fast approaching.
9. Aluminum lead times have jumped
** MNI Chicago Bureau: (708) 784-1849 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
