Manufacturing activity in Northern Ireland increased for the month of March and outperformed other industries covered in the latest PMI report by Ulster Bank.
While activity in the region continues is still slowing, the manufacturing sector has increased orders and production, in contrast to the retail, service and construction industries.
Ulster Bank’s chief economist Richard Ramsey, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, said: “The manufacturing sector remains Northern Ireland’s star performer.”
“Last month manufacturing firms reported their third successive month of rising output and orders. Indeed, manufacturing orders have increased in five of the last six months.”
He added Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector is outperforming its counterparts within the eurozone, including the UK and Ireland.
The sector in Northern Ireland received a further boost last week when the world’s leading electrical heating product manufacturers Glen Dimplex created 37 new jobs in Portadown.
Investment totals £9m and Glen Dimplex announced this could expand to 200 new jobs in the next few years.
Despite the positive news, there is still reason for caution as the report shows Northern Ireland has the lowest pick up rate of any of the 12 UK regions, with a PMI reading of 47.8.
