DIEMAKERS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

Characterizing the business climate

As of June 2001, the business outlook appeared challenging, but not without a few bright spots. Fifty percent of responding die shops said business has been steady over the past three years, and another 29 percent noted business had grown during this period. Share of market reports also brought some good news, with 56 percent seeing increases over the past three years, and 35 percent holding steady. Annual growth also favored the positive, with 52 percent citing an increase, and 38 percent holding steady.