The value of machine tool orders rose 5.2 pct in August from a year earlier to 109.69 bln yen, according to preliminary data released by the Japan Machine Tool Builders Association. This is the 35th straight increase since October 2002, a spokesman for the association said. Domestic orders were up 10.9 pct at 60.6 bln yen, whereas orders from abroad were down 6.3 pct at 49.0 bln yen.