Georgia's Manufacturing Sector Growing, Report Says

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – Georgia's Purchasing Managers Index report for January jumped 4.9 points to 52.3, according to Kennesaw State University.

Any number greater than 50 shows growth; less than 50, a decline.

"This is good that we're moving in that direction," says Don Sabbarese, director of KSU's Econometric Center.

He says getting to January's number involved a mix of highs and lows. Employment looked good, but production was down.

"It's going to take time for us to find out if the direction we're going in now is consistent."

Sabbarese says the past five months of combined PMIs show volatility -- meaning we'll have to wait until the February or March reports to know whether the improvements are sustainable.