TEMPE, Ariz. — November 1, 2022 — Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in October, with the overall economy achieving a 29th consecutive month of growth, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee:

“The October Manufacturing PMI® registered 50.2 percent, 0.7 percentage point lower than the 50.9 percent recorded in September. This figure indicates expansion in the overall economy for the 29th month in a row after contraction in April and May 2020. The Manufacturing PMI® figure is the lowest since May 2020, when it registered 43.5 percent. The New Orders Index remained in contraction territory at 49.2 percent, 2.1 percentage points higher than the 47.1 percent recorded in September. The Production Index reading of 52.3 percent is a 1.7-percentage point increase compared to September’s figure of 50.6 percent. The Prices Index registered 46.6 percent, down 5.1 percentage points compared to the September figure of 51.7 percent. This is the index’s lowest reading since May 2020 (40.8 percent). The Backlog of Orders Index registered 45.3 percent, 5.6 percentage points lower than the September reading of 50.9 percent. After one month of contraction, the Employment Index was unchanged at 50 percent, 1.3 percentage points higher than the 48.7 percent recorded in September. The Supplier Deliveries Index reading of 46.8 percent is 5.6 percentage points lower than the September figure of 52.4 percent. This reading, the index’s lowest since March 2009 (43.2 percent), ended a streak of 79 months in ‘slowing’ territory. The Inventories Index registered 52.5 percent, 3 percentage points lower than the September reading of 55.5 percent. The New Export Orders Index reading of 46.5 percent is down 1.3 percentage points compared to September’s figure of 47.8 percent. This is the index’s lowest figure since May 2020, when it registered 39.5 percent. The Imports Index remained in expansion territory at 50.8 percent, 1.8 percentage points below the September reading of 52.6 percent.”

Fiore continues, “The U.S. manufacturing sector continues to expand, but at the lowest rate since the coronavirus pandemic recovery began. With panelists reporting softening new order rates over the previous five months, the October index reading reflects companies’ preparing for potential future lower demand. In the meantime, demand eased, with the (1) New Orders Index remaining in contraction territory, (2) New Export Orders Index below 50 percent for a third consecutive month and at a faster rate of contraction, (3) Customers’ Inventories Index remaining at a low level, with the same reading as in September and (4) Backlog of Orders Index slipping into contraction. Output/Consumption (measured by the Production and Employment indexes) improved month over month, with a combined positive 3-percentage point impact on the Manufacturing PMI® calculation. The Employment Index shifted from contraction to a reading of 50 percent (unchanged), and the Production Index increased by 1.7 percentage points, staying in modest growth territory. Business Survey Committee panelists’ companies are continuing to manage head counts through hiring freezes and attrition to lower levels, with medium- and long-term demand still uncertain. Inputs — defined as supplier deliveries, inventories, prices and imports — mostly accommodated growth. The Supplier Deliveries Index indicated faster deliveries and the Inventories Index dropped 3 percentage points as panelists’ companies continued to manage the total supply chain inventory. The Prices Index decreased for a seventh straight month and fell into contraction territory, which should encourage buyers.

“Of the six biggest manufacturing industries, three — Machinery; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Transportation Equipment — registered moderate-to-strong growth in October.

“Manufacturing expanded for the 29th straight month in October. Panelists’ companies continue to carefully manage hiring, month-over-month supplier delivery performance was the best since March 2009, and the Prices Index indicated decreasing prices for the first time since May 2020. Like in September, mentions of large-scale layoffs were absent from panelists’ comments, indicating companies are confident of near-term demand. As a result, managing medium-term head counts and supply chain inventories remain primary goals. With the decline in the Backlog of Orders Index, buyers and sellers will begin to shore up order books and order streams to reduce share loss in the medium-to-long term,” says Fiore.

Eight manufacturing industries reported growth in October, in the following order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Machinery; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The 10 industries reporting contraction in October compared to September, in the following order are: Furniture & Related Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; Primary Metals; Computer & Electronic Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products.

What Respondents Are Saying

“Flat business activity; continued electronics market challenges.” [Computer & Electronic Products]

“Customers are canceling some orders. Inventories of finished goods increasing. Expect some bounce back as some customers may be waiting for commodity prices to decline (further).” [Chemical Products]

“Challenges with labor and parts delivery are easing. Order levels are slowing down after pent-up demand in the previous month.” [Transportation Equipment]

“Growing threat of recession is making many customers slow orders substantially. Additionally, global uncertainty about the Russia-Ukraine (war) is influencing global commodity markets.” [Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products]

“We have seen a general pullback in available capital budgets from our customers, and that is having a significant impact on our sales in the fourth quarter.” [Machinery]

“Housing market is down, so our business is affected. Capacity has increased over the last two years due to high orders of consumer goods and appliances, so now we’re trying promotions to get our orders up to where we can use all our capacity.” [Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components]

“Customer demand has been slower for two months. Production is decreasing our inventory and (we are) implementing forecasts carefully. The headwind seems to be very strong, so we need to be prepared for that.” [Fabricated Metal Products]

“International conditions loom large and seem very foreboding. Overall, we still think 2023 will be a positive year, with at least some moderate growth.” [Nonmetallic Mineral Products]

“Lead times are improving. Plastic prices are coming down.” [Plastics & Rubber Products]

“Prices are continuing a slight decline. Suppliers are trying to hold off decreases, but competition is increasing.” [Miscellaneous Manufacturing]

Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® data is seasonally adjusted for the New Orders, Production, Employment and Inventories indexes.

*Number of months moving in current direction.

Commodities Reported Up/Down In Price And In Short Supply

Commodities Up in Price

Caustic Soda; Corn; Diesel; Electronic Components (23); Freight (24); Gasoline; Labor — Temporary (2); Metal Based Products; and Paper (3).

Commodities Down in Price


Aluminum (6); Aluminum Products; Brass; Copper; High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Resin (2); Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Resin; Lumber (2); Natural Gas; Ocean Freight (2); Plastic Resins (5); Polypropylene (3); Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC); Steel (6); Steel — Carbon (4); Steel — Hot Rolled (6); Steel Products (4); and Wood Pallets.

Commodities in Short Supply


Bearings; Electrical Components (25); Electrical Motors; Electronic Components (23); Hydraulic Components (6); Labor — Temporary (2); Paper Products; Plastic Resins; and Semiconductors (23).

Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.

October 2022 Manufacturing Index Summaries

Manufacturing PMI®

The U.S. manufacturing sector grew in October, as the Manufacturing PMI® registered 50.2 percent, 0.7 percentage point below the reading of 50.9 percent recorded in September. “The Manufacturing PMI® indicated weak sector expansion and U.S. economic growth in October. Of the five subindexes that directly factor into the Manufacturing PMI®, two (Production and Inventories) were in growth territory. Of the six biggest manufacturing industries, three — Machinery; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Transportation Equipment — registered moderate-to-strong growth in October. The Production Index increased 1.7 percentage points, climbing further into expansion territory. Supply chain congestion continued to ease, indicated by the Supplier Deliveries Index showing faster deliveries and the Inventories Index growing, though at a slower rate, even as the Production Index increased. Only four of the 10 subindexes were positive for the period; a reading of ‘too low’ for the Customers’ Inventories Index is considered a positive for future production,” says Fiore. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

A Manufacturing PMI® above 48.7 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the October Manufacturing PMI® indicates the overall economy grew in October for the 29th consecutive month following contraction in April and May 2020. “The past relationship between the Manufacturing PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the Manufacturing PMI® for October (50.2 percent) corresponds to a 0.5-percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis,” says Fiore.

The Last 12 Months

New Orders

ISM®’s New Orders Index contracted for the second consecutive month in October, registering 49.2 percent, an increase of 2.1 percentage points compared to the 47.1 percent reported in September. “Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, only one — Petroleum & Coal Products — increased new orders at a moderate level. Price declines and backlog contraction should encourage buyers to reenter the market and sales agents to be more aggressive in seeking business, but lead times remain stubbornly long, a headwind to buyer order placement,” says Fiore. (For more on lead times, see the Buying Policy section of this report.) A New Orders Index above 52.9 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, three reported growth in new orders in October: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Plastics & Rubber Products. Twelve industries reported a decline in new orders in October, in the following order: Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Paper Products; Textile Mills; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

Production

The Production Index registered 52.3 percent in October, 1.7 percentage points higher than the September reading of 50.6 percent, indicating growth for the 29th consecutive month. “Of the top six industries, only three — Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery — expanded in October. Materials and labor availability continue to improve, but concern remains about medium-term demand,” says Fiore. An index above 52.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production figures.

The six industries reporting growth in production during the month of October — listed in order — are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; Primary Metals; Machinery; and Fabricated Metal Products. The eight industries reporting a decrease in production in October — in the following order — are: Textile Mills; Furniture & Related Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products.

Employment

ISM®’s Employment Index registered 50 percent in October, 1.3 percentage points higher than the September reading of 48.7 percent. “The index indicated employment was unchanged after contracting for one month. Of the six big manufacturing sectors, four (Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products) expanded. Labor management sentiment continued to shift in October, with a noticeable number of panelists’ companies reducing employment levels through hiring freezes and allowing attrition. Turnover rates generally stabilized, with 30 percent of comments citing backfill and retirement issues, a slight increase from 28 percent in September. For those companies expanding their workforce, comments continue to support an improving hiring environment,” says Fiore. An Employment Index above 50.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of 18 manufacturing industries, nine reported employment growth in October, in the following order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Chemical Products. The five industries reporting a decrease in employment in October are: Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Transportation Equipment.

Supplier Deliveries†


The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was faster in October, as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 46.8 percent, 5.6 percentage points lower than the 52.4 percent reported in September and the first time in “faster” territory since February 2016 (49.6 percent). Of the top six manufacturing industries, one (Transportation Equipment) reported slower deliveries. “This indicates the best month-over-month supplier deliveries performance since March 2009, when the index registered 43.2 percent. In October, 88.3 percent of panelists reported ‘same’ or ‘faster’ deliveries, compared to 83.2 percent in September. Panelists’ comments confirmed that suppliers performed better in October compared to previous months,” says Fiore. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

Four of 18 manufacturing industries reported slower supplier deliveries in October: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; and Transportation Equipment. The nine industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in October as compared to September — in the following order — are: Furniture & Related Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Wood Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Machinery.

Inventories

The Inventories Index registered 52.5 percent in October, 3 percentage points lower than the 55.5 percent reported for September. “Manufacturing inventories expanded at a slower rate compared to September. Of the six big manufacturing industries, four (Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products) grew manufacturing raw material inventories in October. During the month, panelists’ companies made gains in managing total supply chain inventories amid contracting new order rates,” says Fiore. An Inventories Index greater than 44.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

Of 18 manufacturing industries, the nine reporting higher inventories in October — in the following order — are: Machinery; Primary Metals; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Furniture & Related Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The five industries reporting contracting inventories in October are: Wood Products; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; and Fabricated Metal Products.

Customers’ Inventories†

ISM®’s Customers’ Inventories Index registered 41.6 percent in October, the same figure reported for September, indicating that customers’ inventory levels were considered too low. “Customers’ inventories are too low for the 73rd month in a row, a positive for future production growth. The index registered above 40 percent for the second time but remains at a ‘too low’ level, providing positive support to manufacturing expansion,” says Fiore.

Four industries (Paper Products; Wood Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Primary Metals) reported customers’ inventories as too high in October. The nine industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low in October — listed in order — are: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

Prices†

The ISM® Prices Index registered 46.6 percent in October, 5.1 percentage points lower compared to the September reading of 51.7 percent, indicating raw materials prices decreased for the first time in 28 months. This is the lowest reading since May 2020 (40.8 percent). Over the past seven months, the index has decreased 40.5 percentage points, including a combined 26-percentage point plunge in July and August. Of the top six manufacturing industries, only two (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products) reported increases in prices in October. “The slowing in price increases continues to be driven by three factors: (1) a relaxation in the energy markets, (2) softening in the copper, steel, aluminum and corrugate markets and (3) sluggishness in chemical and plastics demand. Notably, 80.3 percent of respondents reported paying the same or lower prices in October, compared to 68.6 percent in September. The long-awaited price declines should cause buyers and sellers to ‘return to the table’ and refill order books as backlogs contract,” says Fiore. A Prices Index above 52.6 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.

In October, five of 18 industries reported paying increased prices for raw materials: Paper Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Computer & Electronic Products. The 10 industries reporting paying decreased prices for raw materials in October — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Furniture & Related Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; and Machinery.

Backlog of Orders†


ISM®’s Backlog of Orders Index registered 45.3 percent in October, a 5.6-percentage point decrease compared to September’s reading of 50.9 percent, indicating order backlogs contracted after a 27-month period of expansion. Of the six largest manufacturing sectors, two — Petroleum & Coal Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products — expanded their order backlogs in October. “Backlogs contracted in October at a notable rate, as weak new order levels combined with production expansion negatively impacted manufacturing books of business. Contraction in the Prices Index is a positive for future new orders growth and backlogs expansion,” says Fiore.

Three industries reported growth in order backlogs in October: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. Twelve industries reported lower backlogs in October, in the following order: Textile Mills; Furniture & Related Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Chemical Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Transportation Equipment.

New Export Orders†


ISM®’s New Export Orders Index registered 46.5 percent in October, 1.3 percentage points below the September reading of 47.8 percent. “The New Export Orders Index contracted in October for the third consecutive month after 25 straight months in expansion territory. Weakness in European economies and China’s economic sluggishness continued to constrain new export orders expansion and negatively impact new order rates,” says Fiore.

Three industries reported growth in new export orders in October: Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The 10 industries reporting a decrease in new export orders in October — in the following order — are: Wood Products; Textile Mills; Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Paper Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment.

Imports†

ISM®’s Imports Index registered 50.8 percent in October, a decrease of 1.8 percentage points compared to September’s figure of 52.6 percent. “Imports grew weakly in October, at marginal rates below those of the three prior months,” says Fiore.

The seven industries reporting growth in imports in October — in the following order — are: Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Machinery. Five industries reported lower volumes of imports in October: Paper Products; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; and Chemical Products. Six industries reported no change in imports in October.

†The Supplier Deliveries, Customers’ Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, and Imports indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.

Buying Policy

The average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures in October was 179 days, an increase of one day compared to September. Average lead time in October for Production Materials was 93 days, a decrease of one day. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies was unchanged at 48 days.

Posted: November 1, 2022

Source: Institute for Supply Management

FARIBAULT, Minn. — November 1, 2022 — Faribault Mill, maker of handcrafted wool and cotton blankets, is proud to announce a new philanthropic campaign called Spread the Warmth just in time for Youth Homelessness Awareness Month this November. The goal is to donate thousands of woolen blankets to organizations serving youth experiencing homelessness in cities across the country.

For every bed blanket sold, whether twin, full, queen or king size, Faribault Mill will donate a woolen blanket to nonprofits dedicated to serving youth experiencing homelessness in Anchorage, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York City, Oakland, Portland (ME), San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. The company plans to continue this initiative for years to come, expanding the number of cities and nonprofits it serves.

“We’ve been making high quality blankets for Americans right here in the USA since 1865, and for our military since WWI. These are the very blankets we’re donating to organizations serving some of the estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in America,” said Faribault Mill President & CEO Ross Widmoyer. “Providing a high-quality, long-lasting woolen blanket to children will bring them warmth, security, and comfort.”

Wool is made of natural fibers, is durable, odor and stain resistant, and stays warm when it gets wet. It’s renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable. The many benefits of this fabric make it ideal for serving those in need.

“Donating these blankets aligns with our mission as a company and as parents to give back to the community in a meaningful way,” Widmoyer added. “Our employees are proud to work for a company committed to community service and to provide a constant pipeline of warm blankets for these nonprofits for years to come.”

The organizations initially partnering with Faribault Mill who will distribute the blankets to those in need are:

• Anchorage – Covenant House;
• Boston – Bridge Over Troubled Waters;
• Chicago – Ignite;
• Dallas – After8toEducate;
• Denver – Urban Peak;
• Los Angeles – Youth Emerging Stronger;
• Minneapolis – YouthLink;
• New York City – Covenant House;
• Oakland – Covenant House;
• Portland, Maine – Preble Street Teen Services;
• San Francisco – Larkin Street Youth Services;
• Seattle – YouthCare; and
• Washington, D.C. – Covenant House.

For more information or to apply for your organization to be included in this program, please visit https://www.faribaultmill.com/pages/spread-the-warmth.

Posted: November 1, 2022

Source: Faribault Woolen Mill

PONT d’ARMENTERA, Spain — October 3, 2022 — Agora Fabrics, an international brand specializing in high-quality indoor and outdoor textile production, proudly announces its entry into the U.S. fabric and furniture market.

Agora is a premier brand name from parent company Tuvatextil S.L., based in Pont d’Armentera, Spain. This Spain-based specialized fabric production facility is known for excellence in indoor and outdoor fabric production. Agora’s presence in the most prestigious international trade fairs has positioned the company prominently in the overseas market.

“Agora Fabrics is growing our global reach to customers, driven by our earthy textured fabrics and an amazing production team focused on timely delivery of the highest quality products,” said Gonzalo Sabatés, Agora CEO. “We’re in the process of building partnerships with US customers, expanding on the success of our collective manufacturing supply chain relationships that we have built over the years. The Agora Brand and Team, like the Catalan Spanish people, embrace discovery of the world and growing opportunities for beautiful, durable fabrics in a global marketplace.”

The Agora brand is a high-end textile line produced with 100-percent solution-dyed fiber colored at the core, to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and deliver outstanding performance. Our finished fabrics are water repellent and resistant to UV fading, stains, and mold. They are also bleach-friendly, and easy to clean. The Agora catalog offers more than a dozen collections with sharp designs and gorgeous palettes, including ultra-hygienic Safe Home fabrics for healthy interior softness.

Agora, which translates to, “a gathering place”, is a testament to our love and creativity from our team, the values we uphold, and the elements of our culture, and craftsmanship. Agora is an experience — a personal connection to texture, beauty, and durability.  We invite the world to embrace our vision and experience, Agora Fabrics.

Posted: October 31, 2022

Source: Agora Fabrics