Figures show that US factory output rose for a third straight month in September, in a sign the US economy is growing slowly.
Manufacturers made more planes, trucks and home electronics to meet rising demand.
The Federal Reserve said factory output increased 0.4% in September after gaining 0.3% in August.
Production of business equipment rose 1%, the third straight increase of 1% or more. Transport equipment and information processing equipment drove the gain.
Auto output increased for a third straight month, home electronics production for a fifth.
Overall industrial production edged up 0.2%. It was unchanged in August. Utility output decreased sharply, while mines continued to produce more.
Industrial production has increased 12.8% since June 2009. It remains 5.8% below its recent peak, reached in September 2007.
Increased output at US factories could help the economy rebound from its summer slump. Manufacturing played a crucial role in the early stages of the recovery. Factories were among the first businesses to start growing after the recession officially ended in June 2009.
Manufacturing slowed this spring, however, as consumers cut back on purchases in the face of higher prices for petrol and food. And the March earthquake in Japan disrupted supply chains, which slowed US auto production.
Manufacturers cut 13,000 jobs in September and 4,000 in August, according to government data. The average length of a factory worker's week declined as well.
Strong export growth has helped manufacturers expand over the past two years. But shipments to overseas buyers might be hurt by the stronger dollar. A more powerful currency makes US goods more expensive for foreign buyers. Slower growth in emerging markets also is reducing demand for US factory goods, economists say.
