German industry kept growing in October. The S&P Global and HCOB purchasing managers' index for German manufacturing rose to 54.2, from 53.9 in September. A reading above 50 means growth. According to Investing.com, that is the second-highest level in almost four and a half years. Finanznachrichten also reported the figure on 2 November, based on Dow Jones.
What the index shows
Output grew for the tenth month in a row, although slightly more slowly than in the preceding months. New orders also rose less strongly, but export orders actually grew a little faster. Companies cite higher government spending on defence and infrastructure and more demand from abroad as the causes.
The order backlog stands out. It grew at its fastest pace since April 2022. German manufacturers therefore have more work on the shelf than they can currently finish.
The flip side: delivery times and prices
Part of the high reading comes from a less pleasant source. Suppliers' delivery times became clearly longer, mainly due to shortages of electronic components. That was the sharpest deterioration since May. Because longer delivery times count in the index as a sign of activity, they push the figure up.
Input prices also rose at the fastest rate since May, due to more expensive oil, energy-intensive raw materials and electronics. Companies bought more and, for the first time in almost four years, built up some stock again. Phil Smith of S&P Global Market Intelligence points out that rising costs and supply problems make the risks to growth clearly visible. We saw the same picture in the Netherlands this week, read Nevi October: delivery times keep rising.
What does this mean for machine builders?
A full order book means machines have to leave the factory faster, while some components take longer to arrive. In a project, cable management is often only arranged late, once the controls and the mechanics are already fixed. Then a cable carrier or cable package unexpectedly becomes the part the machine is waiting for. Three points that help:
- Decide on the cable carrier early. With the travel length, the space and the cables, you can choose the type in the design phase. The Cable carrier configurator shows you within a few minutes which types fit.
- Choose standard where you can. A standard series from stock is faster than a custom version. If you are torn between two types, ask which one is available right away.
- Think about the cables too. Flexible cables by the metre and a cable carrier delivered complete with cables save a step in your own assembly. With the Cable finder you find the right cable by type, cores and travel length.
What Wisman Techniek does
Wisman Techniek is the exclusive dealer of Tsubaki Kabelschlepp in the Netherlands. We supply standard series from our own stock in Ruurlo, usually within 1 to 3 working days. We assemble modular cable carriers to length in our own workshop, with the cables fitted if you wish. Working on a machine with a tight schedule? Send your drawing or the axis data with a quote request. We check the choice free of charge.
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