December 13, 2002

NAPLES, FL. -- The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association reported that its October 2002 Booked Orders Index was 131 up 2 points or an increase of 2% from September 2002's Index of 129 (1990=100). The October 2002 Index represents a decrease of 29% from the October 2001 Index of 185.

October Booked Orders Indexes were 76 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 148 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Booked Orders was 128 in October. Index represents a decrease of 4% from September 2002's Twelve-Month Index of 133.

The CEMA Billed Sales (shipments) Index was 163 in October down 4 points or a decrease of 2% from the September Index of 167. The October 2002 Index represents a decrease of 32% from the October 2001 Index of 240.

October Billed Sales Indexes were 90 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 160 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Billed Sales was 178 in October. Index represents a decrease of 3% from September 2002's Twelve-Month Index of 184.

* Since Bulk Handling Systems booked and billed sales are reported quarterly, they are averaged back to the two preceding months to enable a running monthly index.