AHMA survey shows modest hiring plans

A survey of members of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) members shows about 20% are expecting to add employees over the next six months.

In a supplemental question attached to the association’s June Confidence Index survey, 19% of respondents replied yes to the question: “Does your company have plans to add employees over the next six months?”

Most respondents, 54%, replied “no,” and 27% said “not sure.”

The survey question was prefaced with the statement: “Government data on the employment situation in the country points to manufacturing as a growth sector in terms of hiring.”

The survey also found that 31% of respondents found that, with interest rates at very low levels, banking partners are willing to provide new loans. However, 19% found that they weren’t, and 50% responded “not sure or not applicable.”

The AHMA’s Home Improvement Industry Confidence Index’s Current Situation Index fell in June to 304.2, down from 312.5 in May. The index was 100 in 2008.