Made in America: Manufacturing sector expands for first time in six months

Editor’s note: Each Sunday, Talk Business & Politics provides “Made In America,” a round-up of state and global manufacturing news.

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MANUFACTURING SECTOR EXPANDS FOR FIRST TIME IN SIX MONTHS
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in March for the first time in the last six months, while the overall economy grew for the 82nd consecutive month, according to the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing Institute of Supply Management’s monthly report.

Manufacturing expanded in March as the PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) registered 51.8%, an increase of 2.3 percentage points from the February reading of 49.5%, indicating growth in manufacturing for the first time since August 2015 when the PMI registered 51%. A reading above 50% indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50% indicates that it is generally contracting. To see the full report, click here.

DOD SPEARHEADS NEW TEXTILE MANUFACTURING INNOVATION HUB
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced Friday (April 1) that a leading consortium of 89 manufacturers, universities, and non-profits organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will spearhead a new manufacturing innovation institute in partnership with the Pentagon focused on securing U.S. leadership in revolutionary fibers and textiles manufacturing.

The new Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute in Cambridge, MA, will combine over $75 million of Federal resources with nearly $250 million of non-Federal investment in innovative fabrics and textiles with novel properties ranging from being incredibly lightweight and flame resistant, to having exceptional strength and containing electronic sensors. This new institute is the eighth manufacturing hub to be awarded by the Obama Administration, building on the President’s vision to create a National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) of at least 15 hubs across the country during his Administration.

HILLARY CLINTON TO UNVEIL $10 BILLION MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT PROPOSAL
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Friday proposed a $10 billion investment in partnerships to encourage the growth of the U.S. manufacturing sector as part of a national push to discourage outsourcing in the industry.

The proposal would work with a broader campaign to encourage companies to build and expand their U.S. manufacturing operations. Clinton rolled out the proposal on Friday in Syracuse, New York, ahead of the state’s nominating contest on April 19. She said she wanted to “bring sexy back” to manufacturing.