According to the CBI monthly Industrial Trends Survey, manufacturers have seen a significant rise in production levels in the three months to August, alongside markedly improved order books.
Furthermore, companies are anticipating an even greater upturn in the coming three months.
The survey of over 400 manufacturers found that total orders and export order books also rose sharply.
Output volumes rose across a significant number of sectors, with twelve of the sixteen sub-sectors reporting increases, and strong growth reported within some of the smaller sectors – building materials, metal manufacture and electrical goods.
Stephen Gifford, CBI director of economics, said: “Manufacturers have seen a real upturn in fortunes this quarter, as output grew at its fastest pace for two years.
“Domestic and export orders have rebounded almost across the board, and manufacturers expect this strength to continue during the next three months.
“UK manufacturers seem to be experiencing a build-up in momentum, but risks in the global economy still mean that it won’t be plain-sailing for some time to come.”
