Lighting Equipment Demand Eases during Second Quarter of 2006


ROSSLYN, Va., August 7, 2006-After registering a six-year high in the first quarter of 2006, NEMA's Lighting Systems Index declined 2.3 percent during the second quarter. As in the prior quarter, the topline index was bolstered by gains in domestic shipments of emergency lighting, fixtures, and fluorescent ballasts. However, lower shipments for both large and miniature lamps pushed the index lower. Although demand is weaker when compared to a strong first quarter, the overall level of domestic shipments remains healthy, as evidenced by the index's 4.6 percent gain from a year ago and 13 percent growth over the past three years.

To see the full index, including a graphic, visit http://www.nema.org/econ/lsi/upload/LSIQ206.pdf.

The NEMA Lighting Systems Index is a composite measure of NEMA member companies' U.S. shipments of a variety of lighting products, including lamps, luminaires, ballasts, emergency lighting, and exit signs, and is designed to track underlying demand for these types of equipment. Product shipments data are drawn from statistical surveys conducted regularly by NEMA and are adjusted for inflation and regularly recurring seasonal fluctuations.

NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its 430 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City.

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