The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) reports that overall industry orders (bookings) for the first 6 months of 2013 decreased 3.72% compared to the same period in 2012, with total orders of $5.21 billion. CEMA estimates industry billed sales (shipments) for the first 6 months of 2013 decreased 1.72% compared to the same period in 2012, with total shipments of $5.09 billion.

Unit Handling orders were up 8.17% and shipments were up 12.20%. In the Bulk Conveying area, orders were down 16.76% and shipments were down 16.56%. CEMA tracks new orders and shipped sales volume in nine classes of unit handling equipment and four classes of bulk handling equipment.

The executives representing CEMA member companies who attended the Fall Meeting expressed cautious concern for the remainder of 2013 noting that some softening was to be expected following back to back record years in 2011 and 2012. As a result of this softening, the updated forecast is for a 2% decrease in 2013 shipments (changed from March 2013 forecast of a 5% increase). CEMA President, Warren Chandler announced the results at the Association’s Fall Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.