Getty Images
Industryweek 10469 Mfg 1

US Gains Jobs, While Manufacturing Weakens

March 2, 2016
However, manufacturing continued to struggle with the weakness in oil prices, shedding 9,000 jobs during the month. 

Maintaining a strong pace of employment growth, companies added a solid 214,000 jobs in February, payroll firm ADP reported on March 2.

"Despite the turmoil in the global financial markets, the American job machine remains in high gear," said Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics.

"Energy and manufacturing remain blemishes on the job market, but other sectors continue to add strongly to payrolls. Full-employment is fast approaching."

Manufacturing continued to struggle with the weakness in oil prices, shedding 9,000 jobs during the month. But companies in professional/business services added 59,000 jobs and construction companies added 27,000 positions.

The February figures bested analyst expectations for private-sector job gains of 190,000.

"The ADP data continue to show no sign of any significant slowing on a trend basis," said Jim O'Sullivan, chief US economist at High Frequency Economics.

"The continued strength is consistent with the message from jobless claims."

The ADP report comes ahead of Friday's U.S. Department of Labor February jobs report. Analysts expect the economy added 190,000 jobs during the month and that unemployment held steady at 4.9%.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Digitally Transforming Data and Processes With Product Lifecycle Management

Oct. 29, 2023
Manufacturers face increasing challenges in product development as they strive to consistently deliver improved results. Discover how industry leaders are improving time-to-market...

From Beast to Beauty: Transforming Analytics to Drive Business Forward

July 23, 2023
In this whitepaper, we look at how to turn a “beast” of analytics into a “beauty” that drives business forward.

Modern Edge Computing Accelerates Smart Manufacturing Initiatives for Discrete Manufacturers

Oct. 22, 2023
Discover how Edge Computing platforms are a requisite for discrete manufacturers to solve production challenges, accelerate digitalization, and establish a reliable infrastructure...

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!