Plant operating costs edge upward

The Plant Engineering Cost Index (PECI) indicates that average operating costs increased by 2.7% in December. Revised fourth-quarter data reveal that the index value bumped up to 150, or a 1.65% increase for the year as a whole.

By Staff March 1, 1998

The Plant Engineering Cost Index (PECI) indicates that average operating costs increased by 2.7% in December. Revised fourth-quarter data reveal that the index value bumped up to 150, or a 1.65% increase for the year as a whole. Within the facilities group, carpenter costs hammered up 2.6% last month, while plywood costs fell by 2.5%. The most noteworthy deflation appeared in the equipment group, with the cost of lubricants slipping 2.7% in December.