Manufacturing Sector Continues To Expand

Washington, DC, April 1, 2010--The manufacturing sector expanded in March at its strongest pace since July 2004, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

The trade group of purchasing executives said its gauge of industrial companies rose to 59.6 in March from 56.5 in February. It is the eighth straight month of expansion.

Economists had expected the measure to read 57. A level above 50 indicates growth.

Factories are boosting production for exports and their customers are slowing the drawdown of their inventories.