More than 40 purchasing managers from West and Southwest Michigan respond to the Institute for Supply Management Research Survey. In June they reported new orders, production and employment remained positive. Nationally, that’s not the case.
“There are economists that look at our surveys of industrial purchasing managers around he country and cite reasons why we are probably sliding into a recession.”
Brian G. Long is director of Supply Management Research in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. He says economists have taken note of businesses living off their declining inventories rather than purchase new goods.
“They’re looking at the rapidly falling prices for industrial commodities, both of which in the past have signaled a significant recession in the works.”
While there are signs of a slowdown, there are industries that remain strong.
“For West Michigan, that appears to be automotive. Automotive remains strong because demand for cars remains strong and we still have a large backlog of demand for cars that has not been met. Even if we do slide into a recession, the chances are it may not affect West Michigan nearly as much as it does other places in the country.”
Another positive, although most local firms have filled many of their open positions, the June employment index again revealed double-digit growth.