Amidst a continued high level of inquiries for possible new projects, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reached its highest mark since August 2008, just before the serious credit problems emerged in the global economy. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the October ABI rating was 46.1, up sharply from 43.1 in September. This score, however, indicates a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry score was 58.5, following the 59.1 mark in September. “This news could prove to be an early signal towards a recovery for the design and construction industry,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker,. “On the other hand, because we continue to get reports of architecture firms struggling in a competitive marketplace with a continued decline in commercial property values, it is far too early to think we are out of the woods.” Details
Archive for November 19th, 2009
Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) Increases to 55.7 in October
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in October for the third consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the sixth consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing Report On Business from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
The report was issued today by Norbert Ore, chair of the ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. “The manufacturing sector grew for the third consecutive month in October, and the rate of growth is the highest since April 2006 when the PMI registered 56 percent. The jump in the index was driven by production and employment, with both registering significant gains. Production appears to be benefiting from the continuing strength in new orders, while the improvement in employment is due to some callbacks and opportunities for temporary workers. Overall, it appears that inventories are balanced and that manufacturing is in a sustainable recovery mode.”
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Sonepar restructures to integrate Sonepar USA and Hagemeyer
Sonepar last month announced an overall restructuring along regional lines to integrate the operations of Hagemeyer North America (HNA) with its Sonepar units. The combination is intended to enhance the company’s market coverage, delivery support and operational best practices.
The company announced in June that Dave Gabriel, region president, North America, and Kathy Rusko, region CFO, North America, have leadership responsibility for all Sonepar operations in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The rest of the organization is now structured along the following lines:
Paul Klasing will continue in his role as president of Sonepar USA with expanded responsibilities to include Hagemeyer USA. Klasing will report to Gabriel.
Jay Bricker, currently the senior vice president of supplier and vendor relations, marketing, communications and business development for Sonepar USA, will continue in his role with his responsibilities now expanded to include electrical supplier and vendor negotiations for Hagemeyer USA. (Hagemeyer USA’s contact for Industrial and Safety suppliers partners remains unchanged.) Bricker will report to Klasing.
Lisa Mitchell, currently the CFO of Hagemeyer North America, has been appointed president of Hagemeyer USA. She will be responsible for all segments of the HNA business with the exception of Tristate and Georgia business locations, and will report to Klasing.
For more on the regional organizations, go to electricalmarketing.com. (Subscription required)
Second generation takes the helm at Ruud Lighting
Ruud Lighting Inc. (Racine, Wis.): Christopher Ruud was promoted to president, a role that his father, Alan Ruud, held since founding the company in 1982. As president, Christopher will oversee all U.S.-based business units and operations. Alan will retain his role as chairman and CEO. Christopher began working for Ruud Lighting in 1986, holding positions of increasing responsibility from sweeping floors to manufacturing assembly and eventually moving into administrative roles. He was promoted to manager of continuous improvement in 1997, then to vice president two years later, adding human resources to his list of responsibilities. In 2004, he was named executive vice president and assumed responsibility for national accounts, sales and marketing. The company is preparing for a transition from traditional lighting to a new LED platform. Christopher was instrumental in building the infrastructure for the launch of BetaLED in 2007.