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Mike Shirk Senior Market Research Analyst
Mike supports Gardner Intelligence’s research efforts through survey design, distribution, and analysis. His collective experiences in market research, data management and project management are critical to Gardner’s ability to monitor trends and changes in the manufacturing sector. Mike received a BA in Public & Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech, focusing on demographic analysis and geographic information systems.
After Brief Expansion, Â鶹´«Ã½ Index Fell to 46 in April
Â鶹´«Ã½ industry begins to feel the impact of tariff uncertainty as business activity slows.
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Â鶹´«Ã½ Index Reaches Expansion for First Time in 2 Years
After two years of contraction, the Â鶹´«Ã½ Index has finally turned a corner. A recovery that started in October has reached a milestone, fueled by increased production and new orders, signaling cautious optimism for the industry.
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Â鶹´«Ã½ Activity Continues to Improve in February
On the cusp of expansion, key index components reveal strengthening business conditions.
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Â鶹´«Ã½ Index Continues Climb into 2025
Steady improvement is short of expansion but component readings and future outlook remain strong.
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Â鶹´«Ã½ Index Shows Continued Recovery
December marks third consecutive month of metalworking improvement on the heels of increased supplier deliveries.
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Optimism Grows as Â鶹´«Ã½ Index Improves Again in November
A sharp increase in future business expectations underscores hopeful conditions in 2025.
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Â鶹´«Ã½ Contraction Slows Slightly in October
While still in a state of contraction, some indicators are improving in the metalworking market.
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Market Indicators Continue to Soften in Â鶹´«Ã½
The overall metalworking index is down more than a point, but future business is up slightly.
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