(MAPI: Arlington, VA) — Emerging optimism prevails in the manufacturing sector that the “Great Recession” is finally turning to recovery, according to the quarterly “Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Survey on the Business Outlook—March 2010” (ER-697e), a leading indicator for the industrial sector. The March 2010 composite index rose to 78 percent from the 57 percent reported in the December 2009 report, representing the highest level since the June 2004 survey registered 80 percent; and this marks the second straight quarter it has reached 50 percent or above.

Just one year ago the March 2009 index registered an historic low of 21 percent.

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