Designing, assembling and testing aerospace wire harnesses present unique challenges to harness manufacturers.

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. 

A test-centric assembly process would have helped Boeing and Airbus avoid problems with their new aircraft.

WASHINGTON—Orders for airplanes, computers and other long-lasting durable goods rose more than expected in May—3.6 percent—the third increase in four months and a sign of strengthening in the vital manufacturing sector.

MONTREAL—Aerospace supplier Aerolia has leased a 7,300-square-meter building here to make fuselage assemblies for Bombardier business jets. The facility is expected to create 150 jobs.

ASHEVILLE, NC—GE Aviation will break ground this year for a new factory here to make components for jet engines. The factory could employ more than 340 people within five years.

WASHINGTON—U.S. worker productivity grew a modest 0.5 percent rate from January through March after having declined in the previous quarter. Weak productivity growth could boost hiring if consumers and businesses spend more.

MILWAUKEE—U.S. employers reported a boost in confidence as the percent of employers planning to add staff, 22 percent, has reached a four-year high, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

WASHINGTON—For 2013 as a whole, manufacturing production should increase 3.1 percent from 2012, according to the Manufacturing Alliance for Productivity and Innovation. Manufacturing is predicted to grow 3.6 percent in 2014, 0.8 percentage points faster than the overall economy.