March, 2009

NAPLES, FL. -- The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association reported that its March 2009 Booked Orders Index was 128 up 28 points or an increase of 28% from February 2009's Index of 100 (1990=100). The March 2009 Index represents a decrease of 15% from the March 2008 Index of 151.

March Booked Orders Indexes were 189 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 107 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Booked Orders was 121 in March. Index in March represents a decrease of 2% from February 2009's Twelve-Month Index of 123.

The CEMA Billed Sales (shipments) Index was 130 in March. Index in March is up 7 points or 6% from February 2009's Index of 123. The March 2009 Index represents a decrease of 17% from the March 2008 Index of 156.

March Billed Sales Indexes were 226 for Bulk Handling Equipment* and 105 for Unit Handling Equipment*(1990=100).

The Twelve-Month Index for Billed Sales was 141 in March. Index in March represents a decrease of 1% from February 2009's Twelve-Month Index of 143.

* Since Bulk Handling Systems booked and billed sales are reported quarterly and are averaged back to the two preceding months, the booked and billed indexes for non-quarter ending months for Bulk Handling Equipment and Category X, total of all categories, are adjusted quarterly.