Activity Dutch Industry At High Rate

Activity in the Dutch industry increased in August to the highest rate since April 2011, according to figures of the Dutch Association of Purchasing Managers ( NEVI ), who announced this on Monday. The purchasing managers index reflects the activity, that rose from 50.8 in July to 53.5 last month. A position above 50 indicates growth, below 50 indicates shrinkage. "Production increased sharply due to the largest increase in new orders since April 2011. Sales to abroad reached the highest level in 28 months," says the NEVI. The industry benefited from a relentless growth in exports, but also from a strong growth in domestic demand." All this is related to a backlog demand, but companies also report the positive effects of new products which were brought on the market. It all looks hopeful, especially if inflation does not increase further,"says Professor procurement management Arjan van Weelen of TU Eindhoven . The upward trend in order intake is not yet translated into more jobs. The number of jobs decreased again, but the decrease was the lowest in the least in seven months. “Where possible, companies are still decreasing their workforce,” says Van Weelen .