Beaulieu Tells MFDA Economy to Soften in 05

John Wolz

Economist Alan Beaulieu told the Metropolitan Fastener Distributors Association that U.S. manufacturing in on the “ascent,” but the economy is in for a “soft landing” later this year.
Beaulieu, of the Institute for Trend Research, predicted 2006 and 2007 would be growth years, but 2008 will be soft, followed by recession from 2009 to 2011.
In MFDA”s 16th annual economic forecast, Beaulieu suggested the manufacturing invincibility of China is a myth. The U.S. is the largest producing and consuming economy in the world, he emphasized.
MFDA president Chuck Halpin announced the association may participating in joint educational seminars with other fastener organizations. MFDA will conduct its next educational seminar March 15, 2005. For information on events, contact Charles Franck. Tel: 973 242-6860 or email: cfranck@ivaco.com \ �2005 FastenerNews.com