Q2 Manufacturing Productivity Revised Downward

ByJohn S. McClenahen U.S. factories weren't quite as productive in this year's second calendar quarter as originally reported. U.S. Labor Department data released Sept. 2 show that productivity -- output per working hour -- grew at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.9%, down six-tenths of a percentage point from the 7.5% rate the department estimated on Aug. 10. Figures for both the increase in output in the second quarter and the decrease in hours were revised downward. In the overall nonfarm sector of the U.S. economy, of which manufacturing is a part, the department lowered its figure for productivity growth to 2.5% from 2.9% as output was revised down and hours worked were revised up.