MCLEAN, VA-U.S. machine-tool consumption (USMTC) continues to rise. This February, the total reached $242.10 million according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA). This is an increase of 13.5% from January and an increase of 37.9% from the total of $175.52 million reported for February 2004. With a year-to-date total of $455.48 million, 2005 is up 28.3% compared with 2004. Data is compiled from companies participating in the USMTC program.

Regionally, the Northeast has seen the biggest increase in machine-tool consumption with a total of $35.88 million, up from $23.29 million