MCCLEAN, VA — The latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report showed that order values grew 2.2 percent in November 2015 compared to the previous month.

Year-to-date orders were down 17.2 percent compared to the same point in 2014.

While total order value saw a monthly gain, the number of units sold dropped 16.31 percent. This data suggest that manufacturers are increasing their use of automated equipment to add productivity and lower costs, rather than expanding their operations and capacity.

“A significant portion of global manufacturing is experiencing slower growth, especially China, and we continue to struggle with the impacts of a stronger dollar,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “Investing in productivity and automation technologies is one way that manufacturers look to stay competitive in a softer market, especially as pricing moderates for finished manufactured goods.”

The industries that made the most investment in equipment measured by USMTO included automotive, appliances, HVAC, and computers and electronics – a trickle-down effect of the growth seen in new housing starts throughout 2015. Growth in the computer and electronics industry also stems from U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders a statistical program of AMT.

For more information, visit www.IMTS.com.