On its feet again, the metal fabricating and forming industry is tentative yet poised for upticks in both business and productivity

The recovery is less energetic than hoped, but survey responses generally are upbeat

Last year improved over 2010, and some fabricators and OEMs expect 2012 to be better yet 

Uncertainty remains regarding government policies, unemployment and more

Fabricators and OEMs express cautious optimism for 2010 in FFJournal

Although some look to 2009 as a growth year, economic indicators point to a tough business climate