Greater Baton Rouge industrial outlook flat, plant managers say

Compared to the first six months of the year, hiring and spending at large industrial plants in the Baton Rouge area is likely to remain flat for the remainder of 2012, according to a new economic outlook survey of plant managers conducted and released by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance. A total of 46 plant managers participated in the latest survey (87% of the alliance’s members), which is released quarterly by the GBRIA. Of them, 57% say they anticipate no change in plant production, and 76% say they don’t expect to increase spending or hiring in the next six months. That’s true of contract employment, too, with 72% saying they don’t anticipate any changes. The GBRIA compiles an index based on the results, and this quarter it dropped 12 points to 67. The index ranges from -50 to 150, with values more than 50 indicating an expanding economy and those below it, a contracting economy. “With a value of 67, this means that plants are holding steady,” says GBRIA Executive Director Connie Fabré. “Many companies made investments and announcements for expansions earlier this year.” You can download the entire survey results here.