Growth in Dutch Industry Shows the Health of Economy

Employment in the Dutch industry rose in September 2017 for the thirtieth consecutive month. This is the longest uninterrupted period of expansion of labor force among producers since the beginning of the measurement.

The purchasing manager index, NEVI PMI®, rose to 60.0 in September, marking its second largest growth since March of 2000. The index gives an impression of the Dutch industry as well as the whole Dutch economy, which is very healthy.

More demand, higher production

Dutch manufacturing companies run overtime because the demand is high. Growth in production ranges came close to the record level of April 2000.

The number of orders received by Dutch producers rose in September for the nineteenth month in a row. The increase was again significant, even though it was less than in August, when the highest level of forty-four months was reached.

Employment continues to rise

The growth of staff was also the second largest since the start of this survey (the highest level was in February 2011). Professor Dr. Arjan van Weele, NEVI Professor of Purchasing Management TU Eindhoven, expects growth to continue. That is good news for employment and public finances.

Demand for staff persists

The Dutch industry is great, says Van Weele. "Both foreign and domestic demand creates a full pipeline, with fully occupied production capacity."

The industry is currently lacking people and materials. This may eventually lead to cost increases, which will make the demand smooth. "But it is not there yet," says Van Weele. "For the time being, demand for raw materials and qualified personnel continues to rise."

Translated by Asta Kerkhoven

Source: https://www.personeelsnet.nl/bericht/nederlandse-industrie-staat-te-springen-om-goed-personeel-