Manufacturing output grows at fastest rate in 10 years

MANUFACTURING output in April grew at the fastest pace in 10 years, contributing to a further improvement in the overall conditions in the sector, a survey showed yesterday.

The NCB Purchasing Managers’ Index, which measures Irish manufacturing activity, rose to 53.4 in April from 53.0 in March, when it crossed the 50 mark separating growth from contraction with its highest reading since September 2007.

The sub-index measuring manufacturing output showed the fastest growth since April 2000, driven by new business.