The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) reports that overall industry orders (bookings) for the first 6 months of 2012 increased 22.79% compared to the same period in 2011, with total orders of $5.46 billion. CEMA estimates industry billed sales (shipments) for the first 6 months of 2012 increased 30.37% compared to the same period in 2011, with total shipments of $5.22 billion.

In the Bulk Conveying area, orders were up 40.8% and shipments were up 40.5%. Unit Handling orders were up 10.0% and shipments were up 22.1%.

CEMA tracks new orders and shipped sales volume in nine classes of unit handling equipment and four classes of bulk handling equipment.

Executives representing CEMA member companies who attended the Fall Meeting expressed cautious optimism for the remainder of 2012 and as a result of the continued strong order rate, were forecasting a 17-20% increase in shipments for 2012 (changed from March 2012 forecast of an 10% increase).
 
Founded in 1933, CEMA is the trade association of leading North American conveyor equipment manufacturers and engineering firms.