The Gardner Business Index (GBI): Metalworking changed only slightly during January from where it ended in 2020 as the Metalworking Index moved only a fraction of a point lower to 53.5. Metalworking Business Index: The Metalworking Business Index closed only slightly lower at the end of the first month of 2021. New orders activity continued to expand but the ability to complete these orders remained challenging as evidenced by rising backlog readings. Five of the index’s six components registered expansionary readings with export activity remaining stubbornly in contractionary territory. Supplier delivery activity fell only 1/10 th of a point from its all-time high set just one month ago. New orders and production activity further propelled the Metalworking Index higher with each measure marking its fifth consecutive month of expanding activity. Employment activity reported slowing expansion in the latest month while backlog activity rose to a 2-year high.