Many American manufacturers companies are experiencing strong growth due to export markets. The favorable exchange rate seen by other countries is dramatically increasing the amount of U.S. sales abroad.

A recent survey of more than 375 job shops in the U.S. supports this. A full 37 percent of job shops report that increased business has come from new customers outside of the U.S. and 35 percent report that they have increased business with already-existing customers abroad.

Of these shops, 41 percent indicate that their overall business is up in 2008. 28 percent indicate business is steady and only 10 percent report that business is down substantially.

Results relating to overseas commerce were even more dramatic for 350 original equipment and contract manufacturers, who also replied to the survey. A whopping 78 percent have acquired new customers abroad, while 67 percent have seen increased business with existing customers outside the U.S.

The reported general business conditions in 2008 for these manufacturers were similar to those of the job shops, with 48 percent indicating that overall business is up, 22 percent reporting steady conditions, and only 10 percent reporting substantial decline.

This trend may continue as manufacturers look to take advantage of a favorable exchange and our reputation for manufacturing quality.

- Source 2008 Metalworking Trends Survey, Conducted by research division of LoSasso Advertising and Techspex.