Georgia’s manufacturing index trended up in 2010. That comes out of the latest survey from Kennesaw State University's Econometric Center.

Despite a drop in inventory, a group of important factors rose in December. That included new orders, production, and employment.

For the year, the survey’s measure of manufacturing activity, the Purchasing Manager’s Index, rose 7.6 points to 53.7. Any reading above 50 suggests manufacturing is expanding.

KSU Economics professor Don Sabbarese says this appears to set Georgia up for continued improvement.

“Given the growth in exports and capital spending by businesses and some other strength in the U.S. economy, we think the manufacturing sector will continue to trend up.”

Sabbarese says business machinery, computers and software continue to hold up manufacturing growth. The drag he says, is still the housing industry.

Tags: Georgia, manufacturing, computers, kennesaw state university, housing industry, software, Purchasing Manager's Index, Don Sabbarese