FIN SURVEY

Fastener Prices – More than 60% of fastener companies intend to keep prices steady during the next six months, while 34% plan prices increases at an average rate of 8.6%.

Sales – Nine in 10 manufacturers and three in four distributors anticipate sales growth approaching 10% this year.

Costs – About 40% of fastener companies forecast a moderate cost increase, with an additional 12% expecting costs to drop in the coming months.

Employment – About 25% of companies intend to add jobs in 2010, while more than 71% expect to operate at current workforce levels.

Capital Investment – About three in 10 manufacturers plan bigger investments, ahead of the 24% of distributors who intend to increase capital spending over the next few months. ©2010 GlobalFastenerNews.com