I have a good friend that owns a production machine shop.  They produce parts for a variety of industries and are coming off the best quarter in more than 10 years.  Much of their product is going to other manufacturers who are shipping overseas.

Another friend it trying to find a tool and die shop to produce a part, but literally every shop in the Midwest is booked solid.

Finally, in a conversation today, someone in the machining industry pointed out an interesting fact.  In 2005-2006, there were approximately 2-3 machining firms closing their doors each month.  This was evidenced by the auction flyers which are faxed out to interested buyers every month.  In the past six months, the number of machine shops that are closing has become a mere trickle. 

The 2-3 closings per month has now turned into only 1-2 per quarter.  Sectors of the economy are going strong.  But you might only read about it here.