OTHER NEWS - Oct. 26, 1992

Machine Tool Orders Rise: Orders for U.S. machine tools rose in September because of a surge in business at the industry’s biennial trade show that is expected to spill over into October orders, the Assn. for Manufacturing Technology said. Orders rose from both domestic and foreign customers, according to the trade group’s monthly figures. So far this year, export orders have totaled $269.05 million, 32.8% below the $400.55 million in orders through September of last year. But in September, export orders showed a strong gain, rising 38.7% to $53.05 million over September, 1991. Domestic orders were up 70% at $230.8 million. Many economists consider the statistics an important barometer of the strength in industrial production, because machine tools are used to manufacture a broad range of goods.