Machine tool orders fell in the United States in January 2014 to $360.31 million, according to the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders report issued by the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). As reported in IndustryWeek, U.S. orders dropped 25.2% in January, a 1.3% improvement over January 2013 results.

AMT compiles research nationwide and regionally for domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment. AMT President Douglas K. Woods partially blames the soft numbers on a bad time of year and inclement weather.

“While monthly order totals are down from December, January is always a soft month and more so this year due to an unusually harsh winter,” said Woods. “Overall the news for manufacturing remains positive, with an improving housing market and strong indicators for near-term capital investment.”

The manufacturing outlook in the Americas looks stronger than other parts of the world such as Europe and Asia-Pacific, according to AutomationWorld:

The Americas fared well, with machinery production growing by 6.5 percent. The machinery market fared well in this region because of significant government investment in the U.S., plus the industry had the advantage of being a much more secure destination for investment than Europe during the prolonged sovereign debt crisis and austerity measures.

It’s important to note that industrial machinery does not only cover machine tools but agricultural equipment, packaging machinery, semiconductor equipment and robotics as well.

The machinery outlook in 2014 looks a shade brighter but still somewhat murky for Europe and North America “where growth continues to be subdued,” according to IHS Senior Analyst Andrew Robertson.

If you’re interested in new LeBlond lathes, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663. If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee machines or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.