March 2008

NAPLES, FL. -- The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association reported that its March 2008 Booked Orders Index was 152 up 7 points or an increase of 5% from February 2008's Index of 145 (1990=100). The March 2008 Index represents a decrease of 13% from the March 2007 Index of 175.

March Booked Orders Indexes were 247 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 117 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Booked Orders was 153 in March. Index in March represents a decrease of 1% from February 2008's Twelve-Month Index of 155.

The CEMA Billed Sales (shipments) Index was 157 in March. Index in March is up 10 points or 7% from February 2008's Index of 147. The March 2008 Index represents a decrease of 22 points or 12% from the March 2007 Index of 179.

March Billed Sales Indexes were 242 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 139 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Billed Sales was 146 in March. Index in March represents a decrease of 1% from February 2008's Twelve-Month Index of 148.

* Since Bulk Handling Systems booked and billed sales are reported quarterly and are averaged back to the two preceding months, the booked and billed indexes for non-quarter ending months for Bulk Handling Equipment and Category X, total of all categories, are adjusted quarterly.