The nation’s machine tool orders rose 13.4%...

The nation’s machine tool orders rose 13.4% in December to $316.4 million, indicating that U.S. industry continues to thrive in the economic expansion, the National Machine Tool Builders’ Assn. reported. Last month’s rise followed November’s 6.4% gain over October orders. Full-year orders rose 69.5% from 1987 levels to $3.59 billion, the trade group said in its monthly report. Foreign orders of U.S. machine tools were up 82.4% to $525.8 million in 1988, while domestic orders rose 67.4% to $3.07 billion.