U.S. machine shops and other manufacturers ordered $491.89 million worth of new machine tools and related technology during December 2013, giving 2013 a strong ending but one that is in line with the year-on-year comparison through most of the 12 months of reports.

December’s new orders brought the 2013 total for orders to $4.94 billion, a decline of 5.1% over the 2012 total, which is in line with the range of comparative results throughout 2013.

The figures are contained in the final U.S. Machine Tool Orders report for 2013. AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology compiles the monthly report based on actual data for metal cutting equipment and metal forming and fabricating equipment, as reported by participating companies.

"With a strong finish to 2013 for manufacturing technology orders, plus strong reports for durable goods, capacity utilization, and PMI, there is plenty of favorable momentum for the industry going into 2014,” stated AMT president Douglas K. Woods.