Manufacturing sales increase

Press, 29 June 1982, Page 16

Manufacturing sales increase

PA Wellington Manufacturing sales were 24 per cent higher in the March quarter this year, compared with the March quarter, 1981, according to Statistics Department figures.

The ratio of the total stocks to sales at the end of the quarter was 69 per cent, higher than the two previous quarters, but equivalent to the June quarter last year and lower than the March, 1981. quarter, when the ratio was 74 per cent. During the March quarter this year, compared with the March. 1981, quarter, additions to fixed assets increased 96 per cent, with the main contributors to the in-

crease being chemicals and base metals. Purchases increased 21 per cent, salaries and wages 19.5 per cent, other operating expenses were 22.1 per cent higher and hours worked 3 per cent more,

A spokesman for the Manufacturers' Federation said the increase in manufacturing sales reflected the fairly good year manufacturers had had.

“The figures for the March quarter possibly reflect some of the pre-election stimulus,” he said, “but many manufacturers expect a slight downturn in the second half of the year."