U.S. manufacturing delivered an encouraging jolt in March, adding 15,000 jobs after revised February figures showed a smaller-than-initially-reported loss of 6,000. The first February estimate had shown a decline of 12,000 jobs, making March’s gain look even more like a rebound. The latest numbers also mark a sharp year-over-year turnaround. In March 2025, manufacturers lost 5,000 jobs, meaning this year’s March result represents a 400% swing in the right direction, according to Federal Reserve Economic Data. Transportation equipment and fabricated metal products helped drive the gains, while the broader U.S. labor market also added jobs in March.

“This is the kind of report that puts real wind at manufacturers’ backs,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “It shows this industry is still building, still hiring and still creating opportunity. That is great news for workers, great news for communities and a strong reminder that manufacturing remains one of the brightest spots in the American economy.” 4/6/2026