p> MCLEAN, VA-U.S. machine-tool consumption (USMTC) reached $389.2 million in September 2004, an increase from the $222.86 million reported in September 2003, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA) and the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT). The year-to-date total for the first three quarters of 2004 was $2,146.95 million, up 42.2% compared to 2003. The data is compiled from reports by companies participating in the USMTC program.

The report breaks data into five geographic regions. The Northeast region saw an increase of 52.7% to $312.64 million in machine-tool consumption compared to 2003's year-to-date figure. The Western region had the biggest increase in year-to-date totals with $279.39 million, 89.6% higher than the previous year.

While the Midwestern region had a year-to-date total that was 43.2% ahead of the 2003 figure and the Central region had a year-to-date increase of 58.7%, the Southern region saw a decrease of 1% to $314.77 from the 2003 year-to-date figure.