PTDA Data shows mixed results for U.S. PT/MC sales.

Press Release Summary:



According to PTDA's August 2008 month-end trend data, U.S. distributors' overall sales of power transmission/motion control products fell 1.4% in August 2008 compared to July 2008. When matched up against sales in same month last year, sales in August 2008 were also down by 1.2%. Canadian distributors reported 11.4% loss in sales in August 2008 compared to July 2008, and sales over same period last year were down 7.0%.



Original Press Release:



Canadian PT/MC Sales Post Significant Drops; U.S. Market Mixed According to PTDA's August 2008 Market Outlook Report Data



Chicago, Ill. - October 9, 2008 - The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) today released August 2008 month-end trend data for distributors and manufacturers of power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) products.

U.S. distributors' overall sales of PT/MC products fell 1.4 percent in August 2008 compared to July 2008. When matched up against sales in the same month last year, sales in August 2008 were also down by 1.2 percent. Accounts receivable collection days increased 1.8 percent since July 2008. The confidence index of U.S. distributors for August rose 0.2 points to 5.6 (on a 10-point scale).

Canadian distributors reported an 11.4 percent loss in sales in August 2008 compared to July 2008. Sales over the same period last year were down 7.0 percent. Accounts receivable collection days rose dramatically, by 11.4 percent compared to July 2008. In August 2008, the confidence level of Canadian distributors dropped 0.4 points to 5.3 (on a 10-point scale).

U.S. manufacturers' sales rose slightly by 0.2 percent in August 2008 when compared to July 2008. Sales in August 2008 fell 0.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Orders in August 2008 were down 9.3 percent over July 2008. The confidence level of U.S. manufacturers fell 0.1 points to 5.3 (on a 10-point scale).

Canadian manufacturers' sales decreased 9.0 percent in August 2008 compared to July 2008. Sales were down 13.9 percent when compared to the same period last year. The confidence level of Canadian manufacturers decreased 0.1 to 5.0 (on a 10-point scale) from July to August 2008.

Product-by-product sales between July 2008 and August 2008 reflect the change in sales experienced by U.S. and Canadian manufacturers. All but two product categories for U.S. manufacturers-gear products and unmounted bearings-posted increases in sales. For Canadian manufacturers, only one product category posted a gain-positioning systems/linear motion products.

U.S. Manufacturer Percent Change in Product Sales (July 2008 vs. August 2008)

Product	Percent Change
Gear Products -11.6%
Unmounted Bearings -1.8%
Mounted Bearings 0.7%
Standard Industrial Motors 2.3%
Mechanical Drive Systems and Other PT Products 3.9%
Positioning Systems/Linear Motion Products 4.6%
Shaft Couplings 6.2%
Clutches & Brakes 7.2%
Variable Speed Drives 25.5%

Canadian Manufacturer Percent Change in Product Sales (July 2008 vs. August 2008)

Product	Percent Change
Shaft Couplings -28.7%
Gear Products -13.7%
Clutches & Brakes -11.7%
Unmounted Bearings -9.7%
Mechanical Drive Systems & Other PT Products -7.0%
Variable Speed Drives -3.9%
Mounted Bearings -0.4%
Standard Industrial Motors 0.0%
Positioning Systems/Linear Motion Products 7.7%

The Market Outlook Report is published monthly by the Power Transmission Distributors Association. The full report includes month-to-month and year-to-year changes for the current and the previous year in sales, inventory and accounts receivables for U.S. and Canadian distributors as well as a general confidence index. U.S. and Canadian manufacturer data includes a confidence index as well as sales and order trends for mounted bearings, unmounted bearings, standard industrial motors, variable speed drives, positioning systems/linear motion products, gear products, clutches and brakes, shaft couplings and mechanical drive systems and other PT products.

Year-end data for 2006 and 2007 is available in a complete report. The monthly data is available by subscription via e-mail or mail. To purchase the year-end data or to begin a subscription to the monthly data, order online at www.ptda.org/store or call PTDA at +1.312.516.2100. PTDA members may download the report at no charge through the PTDA Web site at www.ptda.org/MOR.

Founded in 1960, the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. A U.S.-based trade association, PTDA represents 205 power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $10 billion in sales and span 3,500 locations in North America and 12 other countries. PTDA members also include 194 manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.

PTDA is dedicated to providing exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information and leading-edge business tools to help distributors and manufacturers meet marketplace demands competitively and profitably. For more information, visit www.ptda.org.

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