WASHINGTON – Following a call for a new manufacturing agenda in his maiden speech on the Senate floor last week, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) expressed his encouragement at today’s announcement by the Institute for Supply Management of stronger than expected growth in America’s manufacturing sector. Specifically, in addition to overall growth, the data reveals increases in employment, production, and new export orders. Senator Coons said:
“Our manufacturing sector has long been a pathway to the middle class for generations of Americans. Manufacturing jobs are good, quality jobs and we need economic policies that promote high-tech and clean energy manufacturing right here in America. Delaware has become a model for new investment in advanced manufacturing, and I spoke last week about how we in Congress can replicate the Delaware model all over the country. I am encouraged that the latest manufacturing data released today by the Institute for Supply Management shows that we are on an upswing. We need to build on these gains to ensure that growth in our manufacturing sector translates into more middle class jobs in the months ahead and in the long-term, and I will continue to work with my colleagues toward that end.”
The Institute for Supply Management’s index of manufacturing activity moved to 60.8 in January, from 58.5 in December (ratings over 50 are generally indicative of a period of growth). The report also showed gains in its new orders index, production index, and hiring index.
The ISM report can be viewed here:
http://www.ism.ws/ISMReport/MfgROB.cfm?navItemNumber=12942
Senator Coons’ maiden speech on manufacturing can be read here:
http://coons.senate.gov/press/release/?id=2F5212C1-C153-4EEF-B372-6F3FACCB38E9
Or watched here: