Chicago Factory Index Expands at Fastest Pace in 5 Years

Manufacturing activity levels in the Chicago region expanded in April at the fastest pace in five years, the Institute for Supply Chain Management-Chicago said Friday.

ISM-Chicago’s monthly index fell to a reading of 63.8, from 58.8 in March. Figures over 50 signal expansion, while below 50 indicate contraction.

The reading was higher than economists’ estimates of 60 reading, Bloomberg reported.

Chicago is a major center of U.S. manufacturing, which is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.