WASHINGTON—U.S. manufacturing added 19,000 jobs in October, with job growth occurring primarily in motor vehicles and parts (6,000 jobs), wood products (3,000 jobs), and furniture and related products (3,000 jobs).

WASHINGTON—Manufacturing accounts for 28.7 percent of Oregon’s gross state product, the highest percentage in the country, according to the latest statistics from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis.

WASHINGTON—U.S. factories increased output in August by the most in eight months, helped by a robust month at auto plants. The gains are a hopeful sign that manufacturing could help boost economic growth in the second half of the year.

WASHINGTON—Many U.S. companies aren’t counted as manufacturers by the government, but are still heavily involved in the manufacturing of goods, according to a new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research. The prevalence of these “factory-less goods producers”—Apple Inc. is a prime example—suggests that the country might have more manufacturing capabilities than official statistics suggest.

Last month, my nephew began his first year in college. He hopes someday to get a job in the automotive industry, and I wish him the best of luck.

WASHINGTON—The average monthly earnings of newly hired factory workers were 38 percent higher than for new workers in other industries, according to the latest data from the Commerce Department.

NEW YORK—During July 2013, more than 8,500 jobs were advertised online in the U.S. automotive industry. That’s a four-year high and a 9 percent compared with a year ago.

WASHINGTON—The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation announced that its quarterly index of manufacturing activity advanced to 58 in June from 56 in March. It was the second straight quarterly advance after 10 consecutive quarterly declines. For the past 15 quarters, the index has remained above the threshold of 50, the dividing line separating contraction and expansion.

WASHINGTON—The purchasing managers index for manufacturing rose to 50.9 in June, up 1.9 points from May. According to the Institute for Supply Management, a PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion, while one below reflects contraction.

In The Great Gatsby, the central character is captivated by a green navigational beacon off in the distance that gives him eternal hope. Although Jay Gatsby wasn’t thinking about assembly lines, manufacturing has a similar green light and assemblers are equally optimistic these days.