Foreign-owned companies that have manufacturing operations in Georgia ramped up their production in the first quarter, the Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University’s    Michael J. Coles College of Business reported Friday evening.

The Georgia International Business Index (GIBI) -- a reading of economic activity in the state’s foreign-owned manufacturing sector -- rose 5.9 points to 69.2, on the strength of new orders and production.

A GIBI reading above 50 shows manufacturing activity is expanding, while a reading below 50 shows it is contracting.

• New orders jumped 8.2 points to 76.9
• Production increased 7.5 points to 73.1
• Employment grew 5.3 points to 61.5
• Capital spending rose 2.9 points to 65.4
• Exports as a percent of sales inched up 1.7 percent to 11.3 percent

“The first quarter GIBI and its underlying components suggest that foreign-owned manufacturers’ business remains strong,” said Don Sabbarese, professor of economics and director of the Econometric Center at the Coles College of Business. “Respondents reported higher new orders and production, and employment was up too.”