Mike Shirk Senior Market Research Analyst

Mike supports Gardner Intelligence’s research efforts through survey design, distribution, and analysis.  His collective experiences in market research, data management and project management are critical to Gardner’s ability to monitor trends and changes in the manufacturing sector.  Mike received a BA in Public & Urban Affairs from Virginia Tech, focusing on demographic analysis and geographic information systems.

Economics

Index remains in expansion territory despite uncertainties

The composites market saw a slight decline in the index, component and future business results but maintained a positive reading overall.

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Economics

Composites market continued expansion activity into February

GBI: Composites Fabricating’s final reading landed at 52, driven by strong component readings across the board.

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Economics

Composites Fabricating Index reaches expansion at 50.3

First reading of 2025 breaks 21-month contraction run behind broad-based component growth.

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Economics

Composites Index climbs closer to expansion

Rising readings across the GBI build a case for sustained composites growth headed into 2025.

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Economics

Composites market shows signs of stabilizing as future outlook brightens

Improving supplier deliveries and strong future business index point to opportunities ahead.  

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Economics

Overall composites index contracting faster than previous month

New orders, production and prices components all improved over October, though the GBI is still seeing contraction.

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Economics

Contraction slows for second month, with some indicators improving

In September new orders and employment were up slightly, future business outlook improved and material prices dropped.

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Economics

Composites activity still contracting, but slower than previous month

Future business outlook has improved but most other measures have continued contraction or remain “flat.”

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