In Wisconsin, anecdotal reports indicate jobs may be picking up a little bit, said Jim Haney, president of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. "I have heard from several contractors that their orders for work are increasing from manufacturers, suggesting that some expansions or additions are being done, some plant renovations and so on," Haney said. "And that may be a sign that employment is just around the corner." <

At the same time, though, plant closing announcements keep rolling in. The Eau Claire area learned this week that two factories Rockwell Automation and Celestica and the American Girl call center will close, ending about 500 jobs, in all. <

"It was quite a shock and very disappointing," said Mike Schatz, economic development administrator for the city of Eau Claire. Another plant, Intek Plastics, closed Wednesday, ending 65 jobs. <

"Most of these (were) tied to cost-cutting measures by companies that had little to do with the environment here in Eau Claire," Schatz said. <

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Analysts said the ISM report shows the manufacturing sector has sustained momentum, with new orders strong, backlogs of orders increasing and production ramping up. <

The report coincided with the government's tally Thursday of new claims for unemployment benefits, which edged down last week by a seasonally adjusted 3,000 to 342,000. <

The government also reported that construction spending dipped 0.1 percent in February. <

Wholesale prices also moderated in February, edging up 0.1 percent after a 0.6 percent rise in January. The new report shows inflation remains in check, even as the economy grows. <

All of the 20 industries that comprise the manufacturing sector reported growth, ISM reported. <