OPEI Predicts Short Recession

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Shipments of 2001 model year power equipment are declining as a result of the current economic recession, but relief could come early next year according to The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

OPEI's economic forecast for consumer equipment and commercial turf products, which was revised in November 2001, shows that with the exception of commercial turf equipment, all product categories dropped during the 2001 model year. However, the organization is predicting that this recession will be short, with recovery for the nation beginning in early 2002 and the outdoor power equipment industry seeing signs of this recovery in the fall of 2002.

Data supplied by OPEI showed that about 48,000 commercial intermediate walkers were shipped in 2001 but that amount should increase by 2.3 percent in 2003. The data also showed that around 114,000 commercial riding mowers were shipped this year, but that by 2003, that number should increase to around 116,500.

OPEI is a trade organization whose membership is primarily composed of U.S. manufacturers of powered lawn and garden maintenance products, components and attachment supplies, as well as industry-related services. OPEI's domestic members manufacture in excess of 95 percent of the U.S. consumer retail market for gas and electric powered lawn and garden maintenance products.