Manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region dropped in August to its lowest level since March 2009, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

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

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.

Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area rose in June, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Thursday.