Area manufacturing increases in January

2/19/2005

Northwest Ohio s manufacturing activity increased in January for the 16th consecutive month and was higher than the national rate for just the second time in a year, according to a monthly survey.

The region s manufacturing index was 57.2 in January, up from 50.2 in December and higher than the national index of 56.4 last month, according to Toledo s Regional Growth Partnership.

A reading higher than 50 indicates growth.

Production was the strongest indicator in the index at 64.5 last month, up from 38.5 in December.

Employment continued to lag last month at 49.1, although it was up from 47.7 in December.