Manufacturing Expands in April, 28th Consecutive Increase

Tempe, AZ, May 1, 2015—Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April for the 28th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 71st consecutive month, according to the Institute of Supply Management.

The April PMI registered 51.5%, the same reading as in March.

The New Orders Index registered 53.5%, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from the reading of 51.8% in March.

The Production Index registered 56%, 2.2 percentage points above the March reading of 53.8%.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 15 are reporting growth in April in the following order: nonmetallic mineral products; plastics & rubber products; wood products; printing & related support activities; furniture; paper products; miscellaneous manufacturing; machinery; transportation equipment; textile mills; electrical equipment, appliances & components; chemical products; and primary metals.