Institute for Supply Management News Release (05/01/2012)

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in April for the 33rd consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 35th consecutive month, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. “The PMI registered 54.8%, an increase of 1.4 percentage points from March’s reading of 53.4%, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 33rd consecutive month. Sixteen of the 18 industries reflected overall growth in April, and the new orders, production, and employment indexes all increased, indicating growth at faster rates than in March,” says Institute for Supply Management chairman Bradley J. Holcomb.