Region. Manufacturing shows a fall

The latest Australian Industry Group/ProcewaterhouseCoopers, Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index, showed a 2.7 point fall to 48.5 in December, reflecting drops in production, new orders and the purchase of raw materials. An index score of less than 50 means the sector contracted. Manufacturing is the engine of the Western Sydney economy. It is the largest employer in Western Sydney and accounts for more of the region’s economy - $12 billion plus or 16 per cent – than any other sector.