Ireland's manufacturing sector in June showed the strongest growth in the sector for almost two years, continuing a trend that began five months ago, according to data released today.
The seasonally adjusted Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) compiled by NCB Stockbrokers in Dublin recorded a value of 54.5 for June, up from 52.3 in May and above the critical no change mark of 50.0 for the fifth consecutive month.
Mr Eunan King, senior economist for NCB, said the PMI figures amounted to a "very encouraging report since the overall index as well as output and orders are now back up to levels not seen since the economy was growing very strongly in 2000.
"Moreover, this is not an inventory rebuilding bounce since stocks remain lean. Rather, growth appears sustainable being based on improved business conditions, new product lines and increased marketing activity," he added.
