Guess Which Sector Is Pulling Us Out of the Recession

It's been an under-reported, or at least under-emphasized fact as we pull out of the economic collapse. Rising employment and productivity in the manufacturing sector is leading this country back to health. Just plain 'ol nuts-and-bolts, get-your-hands-dirty manufacturing. Making things.

Some data points to consider.

• March employment data released today confirms that manufacturing activity is growing at its fastest pace in five-and-a-half years, helping the nation avoid a double-dip recession.
• Manufacturing hiring this month will reach a level not seen since June 2008, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.
• In the U.S., the Institute for Supply Management's index of manufacturing activity rose to 59.6 in March, the highest since 2004, and the eighth consecutive month of growth.