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U.S. manufacturing activity grew in September

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in September for the 28th consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 47th consecutive month, said the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Norbert J. Ore, C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The manufacturing sector grew for the 28th consecutive month in September based on the ISM data. The PMI made a strong move to the upside as New Orders and Production rose significantly. This move was supported by slower deliveries and growing order backlogs. While energy prices and the impact from Hurricane Katrina are major concerns, the manufacturing sector has regained significant momentum."

The PMI for September registered 59.4 percent, an increase of 5.8 percentage points when compared to August's reading of 53.6 percent. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

Fabricated metals; primary metals; transportation and equipment; and industrial and commercial equipment and computers were among the industries that reported growth. All four industries showed growth in production. Fabricated metals; primary metals; and transportation and equipment also showed growth in new orders and employment.