The Commerce Department released Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories and Orders September 2009.

• New Orders: +0.9%
• Shipments: +0.8%
• Unfilled Orders: -0.4%
• Inventories: -1.0%

On new orders, machinery had a blow out increase of +7.9% and durable goods orders were up +1.0% from August. In looking over the tables, it appears construction machinery was the driving force.

Inventories dropping to such an extent, yet such positive signs manufacturing is coming to life have to imply some hiring at some point in the near future.

Good news for manufacturing, but we have a long way to go. Last data I can locate, U.S. manufacturing is down to about 12.2% of total U.S. GDP. Obviously relying on the consumer to go shopping as an economic recovery plan isn't workin' out too well.

We need to see much more positive news from the real or production economy.