Both 2002 and 2001 were difficult years for manufacturing and finishing. But this year's Finishing Market Survey and other economic trends are upbeat about this year's prospects.
But based on Industrial Paint & Powder's 16th annual Finishing Market Survey and other economic data and trends, a rebound appears at hand. Nearly 53% of finishers responded that their operating levels in 2003 would be higher than in 2002. In last year's survey, less than 43% of respondents said their operating levels would increase. Likewise, only 5% of respondents said their operating levels would decrease in 2003, compared to last year, when nearly 13% said their operating levels would decrease.