Economic activity in manufacturing grew in April

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in April for the 35th consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 54th consecutive month, said the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, said that April's Index of 57.3 percent is the highest since November 2005.

The 15 industries reporting growth in April—listed in order —are: Miscellaneous; Primary Metals; Transportation and Equipment; Electronic Components and Equipment; Fabricated Metals; Industrial and Commercial Equipment and Computers; Wood and Wood Products; Glass, Stone and Aggregate; Apparel; Food; Printing and Publishing; Instruments and Photographic Equipment; Chemicals; Furniture; and Rubber and Plastic Products.

The full release can be found here.