The manufacturing sector in southeastern Wisconsin continues to lead the area’s economic recovery in February, according to the most recent report by the Milwaukee chapter of the Institute for Supply Chain Management.
The area’s seasonally adjusted index rose six points to 63 for the month – a number above 50 represents expansion. In February of 2010, the seasonally adjusted index was 56.
For February, new orders received increased nine points to 73, production rose four points to 65, backlog increased by 14 points to 64, and supplier lead times fell by a point to 28 – all of which are positive signs for manufacturers.
Inventory levels increased four points to 58 and capital equipment purchases increased four points to 65.
Employment signs, according to the survey, were mixed. Blue collar employment fell three points to 58, while white collar employment rose two points to 59.
Commodity price increases of note included printing paper, aluminum, castings and ferrous metals, and chemicals.
