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.
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.
ERIE, PA—An all-day bargaining session failed to produce an agreement aimed at heading off the elimination of 950 union jobs at GE’s century-old locomotive manufacturing plant in northwestern Pennsylvania.
FORT WAYNE, IN—Brunswick Corp. has opened a new assembly plant here to make high-end pontoon boats and expects to add 200 jobs to its workforce by 2016.
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.
Water is essential for life. Unfortunately, it is often contaminated with trace pharmaceuticals, caffeine, synthetic hormones and beauty product chemicals.