April 15, 2010 10:15 AM, EDT

Philadelphia Factory Index Rises

Manufacturing levels in the Philadelphia region expanded in March at the fastest pace in four months, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said Thursday.

The area’s factory index grew to a 20.2 reading, from 18.9 in March, the regional Fed said.

Readings greater than zero signal growth. April was the sixth consecutive month of expansion.

The Philadelphia Fed surveys about 100 manufacturers for the index in eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey.