NEMA says shipments of industrial control equipment weakened in 4Q 2012

The Primary Industrial Controls Index published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., decreased 1.6% on a quarter-to-quarter basis during the fourth quarter of 2012. However, the index stands 5.1% above its year-ago level and 43% above the cyclical trough observed in mid-2009. Nonetheless, inflation- and seasonally-adjusted shipments still remain below the pre-recession peak reached in 2007. The Primary Industrial Controls and Adjustable Speed Drives Index, a broader measure of industrial controls demand, also posted a slight decline during the fourth quarter of 2012, falling 0.3% following a 1.2% loss in the third quarter. However, the index increased 7.6% on a year-over-year basis. Details