WASHINGTON—U.S. manufacturing grew slightly last month and factory hiring increased. The modest gain suggests the economy entered the new year with some momentum. The Institute for Supply Management said its index of manufacturing activity rose in December to 50.7. That’s up from a reading of 49.5 in November, which was the lowest reading since July 2009, one month after the recession ended.
TROY, MI—Manufacturing volumes are up significantly over 2009 levels, and severe cost-cutting has diminished somewhat, according to a new study by Grant Thornton and World Trade 100 magazine.
PALM BEACH, FL—On the heels of being approved for a $4.79 million economic incentive package, Pratt & Whitney is expected to add 230 jobs at its assembly plant here.
WASHINGTON—U.S. sales of machine tools totaled $667.47 million in September. That’s an increase of 40.7 percent from August 2012 and an increase of 13.4 percent from September 2011, according to the AMT—The Association for Manufacturing Technology.