U.S. distributors' overall sales of PT/MC products were unchanged in October 2008 compared to September 2008. When matched up against sales in the same month last year, sales in October 2008 were up by 7.4 percent. Accounts receivable collection days rose 2.3 percent since September 2008. The confidence index of U.S. distributors for October was also unchanged, remaining at 5.2 (on a 10-point scale).

Following double digit sales growth in September 2008, Canadian distributors reported a 4.2 percent drop in sales in October 2008. Sales over the same period last year were up 2.5 percent. Accounts receivable collection days fell 5.1 percent compared to September 2008. For the third consecutive month, the confidence level of Canadian distributors remained steady at 5.3 (on a 10-point scale).

U.S. manufacturers' sales rose 3.0 percent in October 2008 when compared to September 2008. Sales in October 2008 increased 6.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Orders in October 2008 were up 7.8 percent over September 2008. The confidence level of U.S. manufacturers fell 0.2 to 4.9 (on a 10-point scale), which is the lowest level since May 2002.

Canadian manufacturers' sales reversed September 2008 positive gains by posting a 4.9 drop in October 2008. Sales were down 5.6 percent when compared to the same period last year. The confidence level of Canadian manufacturers decreased 0.3 to 4.4 (on a 10-point scale) from September to October 2008, the lowest level in this decade.

Product-by-product sales between September 2008 and October 2008 reflect the change in sales experienced by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. Three product categories for U.S. manufacturers-unmounted bearings, positioning systems/linear motion products and standard industrial motors-posted increases in sales. For Canadian manufacturers, three product categories posted an increase in sales-positioning systems/linear motion products, variable speed drives and standard industrial motors.

U.S. Manufacturer Percent Change in Product Sales (September 2008 vs. October 2008)


Product Percent Change Variable Speed Drives -15.6% Shaft Couplings -7.7% Mechanical Drive Systems and Other PT Products -6.8% Mounted Bearings -6.0% Gear Products -3.7% Clutches & Brakes -3.0% Unmounted Bearings 3.0% Positioning Systems/Linear Motion Products 5.5% Standard Industrial Motors 16.2%
Canadian Manufacturer Percent Change in Product Sales (September 2008 vs. October 2008)


Product Percent Change Mounted Bearings -27.4% Gear Products -15.9% Shaft Couplings -7.7% Mechanical Drive Systems & Other PT Products -3.4% Unmounted Bearings -2.9% Clutches & Brakes -1.9% Positioning Systems/Linear Motion Products 18.4% Variable Speed Drives 25.3% Standard Industrial Motors 34.3%
The Market Outlook Report is published monthly by the Power Transmission Distributors Association. The full report includes month-to-month and year-to-year changes for the current and the previous year in sales, inventory and accounts receivables for U.S. and Canadian distributors as well as a general confidence index. U.S. and Canadian manufacturer data includes a confidence index as well as sales and order trends for mounted bearings, unmounted bearings, standard industrial motors, variable speed drives, positioning systems/linear motion products, gear products, clutches and brakes, shaft couplings and mechanical drive systems and other PT products.

Year-end data for 2006 and 2007 is available in a complete report. The monthly data is available by subscription via e-mail or mail. To purchase the year-end data or to begin a subscription to the monthly data, order online at www.ptda.org/store or call PTDA at +1.312.516.2100. PTDA members may download the report at no charge through the PTDA Web site at www.ptda.org/MOR.

Founded in 1960, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. A U.S.-based trade association, PTDA represents 205 power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $10 billion in sales and span 3,500 locations in North America and 12 other countries. PTDA members also include 194 manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.

PTDA is dedicated to providing exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information and leading-edge business tools to help distributors and manufacturers meet marketplace demands competitively and profitably. For more information, visit www.ptda.org.

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