In 1998, orders for industrial valves rose by 3.2% over 1997 levels, in spite of a 5.1% drop during the fourth quarter from the third, according to the Valve Manufacturers Association of America.
The dollar value of shipments, however, slipped 0.8% during 1998, with the biggest decreases in plug valves. Automated valves were the sole gainer in shipments. Between the third and fourth quarters, gate, globe and check valves slid 5.7%.