Heat Treat Today has gathered the four heat treat industry-specific economic indicators for September 2026. The results point to continued growth across the heat treat industry, with suppliers anticipating sustained client activity and healthy business conditions heading into the fall.
September’s data indicates anticipated continued continued expansion, with all four indicators remaining well above the growth threshold. Inquiries are projected at 65.0 (up from 63.5 in August), signaling stronger prospective client activity. Bookings are expected to remain in growth territory at 59.4 (from 64.5 in August), while the Backlog index has a strong outlook forecast at 60.0 (from 61.5 in August). The Health of the Manufacturing Economy index is projected at 62.2 (from 64.5 in August), reflecting expectations of continued confidence in broader manufacturing conditions.
September’s indicators suggest suppliers remain optimistic about business conditions heading into fall. The rise in inquiries points to continued client engagement and potential future demand, while backlog remains at a level consistent with ongoing growth. Despite expectations for bookings and the broader manufacturing economy have moderated slightly from August’s stronger readings, all four indicators remain comfortably above the growth threshold, suggesting the industry continues to anticipate favorable conditions in the month ahead.
The results from this month’s survey (September) are as follows: numbers above 50 indicate growth, numbers below 50 indicate contraction, and the number 50 indicates no change:
- Anticipated change in Number of Inquiries from August to September: 65.0
- Anticipated change in Value of Bookings from August to September: 59.4
- Anticipated change in Size of Backlog from August to September: 60.0
- Anticipated change in Health of the Manufacturing Economy from August to September: 62.2
Data for September 2026
The four index numbers are reported monthly by Heat Treat Today and made available on the website.
Heat Treat Today’s Economic Indicators measure and report on four heat treat industry indices. Each month, approximately 800 individuals who classify themselves as suppliers to the North American heat treat industry receive the survey. Above are the results. Data collection began in June 2023. If you would like to participate in the monthly survey, please click here to subscribe.
