Manufacturing's Recovery Scorecard: 4 And 33

ByJohn S. McClenahen The encouraging news for U.S. manufacturers is that in the calendar quarter just completed four industries produced more goods than during their pre-recession peak quarters. Household appliances did 4.8% better. Computers and office equipment were 3.9% higher. Service industry machinery was 0.4% on the plus side, and electronic components eked out a 0.3% increase, figures Daniel J. Meckstroth, chief economist at Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, an Arlington, Va.-based business policy association of 450 manufacturing firms. The 33 industries he says are still below their pre-2001 recession peaks include autos, textiles and aluminum. Their shortfalls range from 1.3% for pressed and blown glass to 36% for aircraft and aircraft parts. Meckstroth's bottom line: Although they are recovering, most manufacturers won't be operating at pre-recession levels for another year.