The greater Grand Rapids industrial economy continues to grow,
according to the results of a monthly survey compiled by Brian G.
Long, director of Supply Management Research in the Seidman College of
Business at Grand Valley State University.
The survey results are based on data collected in the last two
weeks of April. The survey’s index of business improvement, called new
orders, moderated to +29, down from +38. In a similar move, the
production index eased to +35 from +39. The index of purchases rose
significantly to +51 from +34. The employment index also posted a nice
gain and rose to +46 from +35.
Long said 50 percent of firms surveyed are still adding
personnel and despite this month’s moderation in new orders, the
growth rate for the local economy appears to be stabilizing at a
moderate rate. He said there have been 23 months of positive reports
since the recovery began in 2009.
“Despite our lofty employment index, our local industrial sector
has not had nearly the impact on our local unemployment statistics as
we would like,” said Long. “In this same light, the strength in the
industrial sector has had little or no impact on the seemingly
never-ending housing and construction crisis.”
Long said local automotive parts suppliers continue to do well;
none have reported any impact from the Japanese disaster. The report
from the office furniture sector is still positive, but there are
signs that the industry may be plateauing at the current level.
The Institute for Supply Management survey is a monthly survey
of business conditions that includes 45 purchasing managers in the
greater Grand Rapids area and 25 in Kalamazoo. The respondents are
purchasing managers from the region’s major industrial manufacturers,
distributors, and industrial service organizations. It is patterned
after a nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Supply
Management. Each month, the respondents are asked to rate eight
factors as “same,” “up” or “down.” An expanded version of this report
and details of the methodology used to compile it are available at www.gvsu.edu/scblogistics.
For more information call Grand Valley News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.
DOWNLOADABLE AUDIO
Brian Long said the housing market continues to hold the recovery back (audio).
Long said people don't feel as wealthy when housing prices fall (audio).
Long said auto sales are up because people want to buy before summer (audio).
Long said while employment numbers are good, many people are still out of work (audio).
