The machine tool order index in the fourth quarter of 2009 is still in the negative, registering an 8.8% drop, compared to the same period in the previous year. Thus the absolute index stands at 74.9 (2005 base=100). This is what emerges from the data elaborated by the Studies Department of UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE, the association of Italian
manufacturers of machine tools, robots, automation and auxiliary technologies.

This survey shows the further extension of the negative trend in order gathering for Italian machine tools manufacturers, in decline for the last six months.

Although the intensity of the decrease seems to be waning, recovery appears slow and difficult. On the other hand, for the first time in
eighteen months, the survey reveals diverging trends in the Italian and foreign markets.

Compared to foreign markets, the index of Italian manufacturers' confirmed orders highlights a 22.8% drop, compared to the same period in the previous year, the absolute value of the index thus stands at 66.9.

Domestically, however, the index of order gathering starts to rise again by 12.1%, equivalent to the absolute index value of 82.3, sustained and driven – as was predicted - by the effects of the Tremonti-Ter measure.

Annual data shows a contraction of confirmed orders equal to 46.9% compared to 2008, for an absolute value of the index of 60.6, comparable
to that surveyed in 1993.

Other News:
Italy Machine Tool Orders Drops 8.8 % in Q4 of 2009
NTN Cuts Forecast as Demand for Bearings Misses Expectations
Canadian PT/MC Manufacturers' Month-to-month Sales Remain Flat in November
Couplings for Individual Encoder Applications
Tapered Roller Bearing Optimum Design Program for Transmission (Pic)
KTR Develops Coupling for Measurement and Control
RBC Bearings Fiscal 3Q Profit Falls 32 Percent
NTN Drops Most in 3 Months After Forecasting Full-Year Loss