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We project that the economy in 2012 is going to be better than 2011. It will be stronger. For us specifically, there will be a very strong first half, (and) then things will be tapering off later in the year.
The industrial capital equipment cycle leads the general economy. We have been doing quite well and will continue to do so

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IRN’s forecast for the automotive industry in 2012 calls for a 7-percent increase in North American vehicle production, equating to almost one million additional units. Think about the multiplier effects of that increase, given that there are 8,000 to 12,000 components per vehicle, and suppliers to the automakers create about 60 percent of the vehicle value.

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With more than $1 billion in investment announced in the Holland/Zeeland area in 2010, Thelen was the envy of the economic developers nationwide. He and his team are helping ensure the advanced battery industry continues to take shape in West Michigan.

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“Internally, we plan to focus on two major programs in 2012. The first will accelerate our improvement processes as we spread our accumulated knowledge about lean manufacturing practices across all areas of the company.