Although still not back to 2001 levels, total orders for new bulk and unit conveyors grew 5.7 percent

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to $5.1 billion-in 2004 over the previous year, the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) reported at its annual meeting in Scottsdale in early March. Shipments jumped 21 percent last year over 2003. CEMA tracks new orders and shipment volume in seven unit-handling equipment classes, and five bulk-handling equipment classes.