Industrial production increased 0.8% nationwide in March, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve today. That was higher than the 0.6% increase economists had expected. Manufacturing makes up 75% of the measure, with mining and utility output constituting the remainder. Output of motor vehicle production climbed 3% in March after rising 4.6% in the month prior. All 12 Federal Reserve districts reported a pickup in manufacturing since the March report, with regional industries expanding including auto and auto parts, commercial aircraft and fabricated metal products, the Fed said. Manufacturing industries account for 11% of the economy, and the industry added 17,000 workers in March for the 5th straight monthly gain.
