Manufacturing in the Milwaukee area improved in November, according to the most recent business survey by the Institute for Supply Management-Milwaukee. The seasonally adjusted Milwaukee index rose three points to 59 percent in November – a score above 50 represents an expanding economy.
The Milwaukee index was 57 in November, 2009.
The monthly survey reports that new orders received have increased two points to 62, and production increased six points to 70. Backlog and supplier lead times both fell to 48 and 36, respectively.
Blue and white collar employment were 56 last month – blue collar employment fell four points while white collar employment remained the same from October.
Inventory levels increased five points to 59. Capital equipment purchases dropped one point to 62.
“This is still a very healthy number,” a news release from ISM-Milwaukee states.
Milwaukee’s manufacturing economy is representative of a national trend, according to the national Institute for Supply Management November report.
"The manufacturing sector grew during November, with both new orders and production continuing to expand,” said Norbert J. Ore, CPSM, C.P.M., chair of the Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
“With the PMI at 56.6 percent, November’s rate of growth is the second fastest in the last six months. Exports and imports continue to support expansion in the sector. Prices moderated slightly during the month, but comments from the respondents express concerns with regard to pricing pressures. The list of commodities in short supply increased, though short supply items are not yet posing significant problems. Manufacturing continues to benefit from the recovery in autos, but those industries reliant upon housing continue to struggle."
