APS Fulfillment, Inc., Florida’s Premier Fulfillment Company, Weighs in on Increased Consumer Spending and Strong Manufacturing Momentum

APS Fulfillment, Inc. (www.APSFulfillment.com), one of the nation’s leading cost-effective fulfillment and integrated direct mail marketing companies, is weighing in on April’s consumer spending data and strong manufacturing momentum.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, consumer spending, which accounts for roughly 70% of the U.S. economy, climbed 0.9% in March—the biggest gain since August 2009 and ahead of economists’ projections of a 0.6% increase. In February, U.S. consumer spending rose 0.5%. (Source: “Personal Income and Outlays – March 2014,” U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis web site, May 1, 2014; www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm.)

“The surge in March consumer spending bodes well for the U.S. economy, especially after reports the economy stalled in the first quarter as a result of the harsh winter,” says Charles Aultman, president of APS Fulfillment, Inc. “Given the solid jobs data and rise in wages, second-quarter consumer spending could be much stronger than the first.”

The outlook for manufacturing and non-manufacturing growth for the remainder of 2014 also looks encouraging. In a separate report, the Institute for Supply Management said national factory inventory rose from 53.7 in March to 54.9 in April; a reading above 50 indicates growth in factories. April’s increase beat analyst forecasts of 54.2. (Source: “April 2014 Manufacturing ISM Report On Business PMI at 54.9%,” Institute for Supply Management web site, May 1, 2014; www.ism.ws/ISMReport/MfgROB.cfm.)

Aultman explains that manufacturing activity has climbed for three consecutive months and infused a much-needed sense of optimism and confidence into the sector. Overall, purchasing managers at factories expect sales to grow 5.3% in 2014, up from 4.4% at the end of last year.

“The improving economic environment shines a light on the need for businesses to ensure their materials’ handling and distribution systems are in place and running optimally,” Aultman concludes. “For brands to be competitive, they have to use a fulfillment company that is close to all transportation hubs, has state-of-the-art technology that can get orders filled quickly and accurately, and can deliver orders when promised, even during peak demand season.”

APS Fulfillment, Inc. is one of the United States’ leading cost-effective fulfillment and integrated direct mail marketing companies, offering affordable and real-time fulfillment services to small, medium, and large companies. Its state-of-the-art technology provides turnkey solutions for high-volume perfect-match mailings, personalized direct mail, snap-pak mailers, postcards, and triple-tabbed booklets. More information on APS Fulfillment, Inc. is available by visiting the firm’s web site at www.APSFulfillment.com or by calling 954-582-7450.