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Machinery Backlogs Rose in June—But the Data Do Not Prove a Gearbox Shortage

A heavy industrial gearbox sits on a workshop floor, its metallic casing showing some wear and residue, illustrating a piece of machinery possibly in a state of backlog or waiting for a gearbox.

U.S. factory orders declined in June, but the headline masks a materially different pattern inside the machinery sector. The U.S. Census Bureau reported on August 4 that total manufactured-goods orders fell 0.3 percent to $656.5 billion. Machinery new orders, however, increased 0.3 percent to $43.9 billion, machinery shipments rose 1.8 percent to $42.2 billion, and … Read more

August Shutdown Season Is Here: Seven Restart Checks That Protect Industrial Equipment

Maintenance technician inspecting an industrial gearbox, electric motor and coupling during a planned shutdown restart inspection in a manufacturing facility.

Annual summer shutdowns are underway at manufacturers in several regions. MPM Group scheduled its 2026 shutdown to begin during the week of Monday, August 3. Gledring closed its production facility from July 27 through August 14 for its annual summer shutdown and scheduled maintenance. IINO Manufacturing and Suzumo Machinery announced factory closures from August 8 … Read more