Manufacturing activity in the New York region contracted in August for the third straight month, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Monday.

Factory orders decreased 0.8% in June, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings said its second-quarter profit rose to $49.2 million, or 65 cents per share, from $25.4 million, or 34 cents, a year ago.

U.S. manufacturing activity fell to a two-year low in July, but continued to show expansion for the 24th consecutive month, the Institute for Supply Management said Monday.

Shortages of components for new heavy-duty trucks are growing, leading vehicle manufacturers to cut back their sales forecasts as their backlog of truck orders continues to mount, executives said.

Three of the world’s largest heavy-duty truck makers reported significant increases in profits and revenue for the three months ended June 30, with North American results playing a large role in all cases.

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area fell in July, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Friday.

Manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region increased in July, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

Truck manufacturers received more than 20,000 orders for new Class 8 vehicles in June in North America, the eighth consecutive month above that level and 33% higher than June 2010, two market research firms reported.

Owners of 2009 Class 8 trucks reported a drop in mechanical and technical problems from the previous year, including problems with engines, usually the largest source of complaints, J.D. Power and Associates said in a report.