More bad news for, and from, Georgia’s manufacturers.

For the third month in a row, according to a barometer of economic activity released Friday by Kennesaw State University, factory employment, production and orders dropped.

Chin up, though: Georgia’s manufacturing sector is still growing, albeit at a sclerotic pace.

The school’s Econometric Center reports that the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) remains in overall positive growth territory with a 53.6 rating for September. That’s down 1.4 points from the previous month. Anything above 50 reveals an expanding manufacturing base.

Businesses “taking a breather” to restock inventory, and the expiration of home-buying tax credits, is party to blame for the downturn, KSU reported.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Fans gather before the World Cup draw party at Buckhead Village in Atlanta on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com