Checking in

Preview shows off big event

HANNOVER MESSE 2014 is only a few weeks away – running April 7-11, 2014 – and after event organizers hosted Preview Day in Berlin, Germany, it is clear this is must-attend show. With more than 40 key exhibitors offering one-on-one visits, the theme reverberated from company to company: Integrated Industry – NEXT STEPS. Focusing on integration as a pivotal role for the future of industry, and mapping out the steps along the way, manufacturers need to make their factories and processes as efficient as possible to stay competitive. Since many of the technologies to achieve efficiency and flexibility are already available, HANNOVER MESSE 2014 will be the place to learn more. www.hannovermesse.de

Absolute Machine Tools updates website

An updated version of Absolute Machine Tools Inc.’s website provides comprehensive descriptions, specifications, and application information for the company’s turning, milling, deep hole, gun-barrel drilling, and EDM machine tools from OEMs that include AccuteX, You Ji, Johnford, Tongtai, Nexturn, and Precihole.

Product information is organized into more than 20 categories that group machines by type and end products. Users can quickly locate the nearest Absolute dealer and request literature, machinery quotes, and financing information. Forms are available for training, service, and parts support. The site also allows authorized dealers access to the company’s media library. www.absolutemachine.com
 

US mfg. technology orders mixed

The U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report from AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology – shows December 2013 U.S. orders totaled $491.89 million. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was up 9.9% from November and up 11.8% when compared with $439.90 million reported for December 2012. Year-to-date orders of $4,939.58 million are down 5.5% compared with 2012.

AMT President Douglas K. Woods says, “With a strong finish to 2013 for manufacturing technology orders, plus strong reports for durable goods, capacity utilization, and PMI, there is plenty of favorable momentum for the industry going into 2014. This one-two punch is creating a ripe atmosphere for investment in capital equipment, which we anticipate will translate into more great news for manufacturing growth.” www.amtonline.org
 

Top 10 equipment acquisition trends

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), which represents the $827 billion equipment finance sector, has revealed its Top 10 equipment acquisition trends for 2014. U.S. businesses, nonprofits and government agencies will spend in excess of $1.5 trillion in capital goods or fixed business investment (including software) this year, financing more than half of those assets. Because of that, these trends impact a significant portion of the U.S. economy.

1. Investment in equipment and software will reach an all-time high in 2014 – $1.5 trillion.
2. Equipment investment will be in replacing existing aging equipment until businesses need to expand capacity.
3. Demand for equipment financing will increase due to greater stability in the federal budgeting process and the reduced threat of government shutdowns.
4. The stagnant Eurozone, higher foreign oil prices, and the cooling of the Chinese economy will impede growth in equipment acquisition globally.
5. Rebounds in the housing and energy sectors will spur investment. Cheap, rapidly expanding U.S. supplies of oil and natural gas will expand capacity for energy and downstream products, such as petrochemicals and plastics, and increase demand for industrial equipment.
6. Most U.S. businesses will finance equipment acquisitions. In 2014, investment in U.S. plant, equipment, and software should reach $1.5 trillion, of which 57% ($860 billion) is expected to be financed through loans, leases, and lines of credit, a slight uptick from 55% in 2013.
7. Credit market conditions will remain favorable for long-term financing.
8. 8. Short-term interest rates will remain low, while long-term rates will rise but remain below historical averages.
9. Demand for software and technology equipment will remain strong, especially for cloud and mobile technology.
10. Long-awaited changes to the lease accounting standard will continue to be debated. A new draft of proposed lease accounting changes issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board issued in 2013 generated substantial opposition. The Boards will continue deliberations into 2014 and will conduct additional meetings to address concerns.

www.elfaonline.org

Watch a video on the Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2014 at http://bit.ly/M6iTPi.