Results were mixed among manufacturers and distributors in March, according to the April Economic Indicator Report from the Industrial Supply Association. The ISA Distributor Index decreased from 70.3 in February to 65.3 in March, while the Manufacturer Index increased from 56.8 to 66.6.

“One factor influencing sales among ISA members is how much their businesses are dependent upon the oil and gas industry,” said Bryon Shafer, general manager of ASG Industrial and chair of ISA’s Strategic Information Committee. "As one member commented, ‘Activity is beginning to increase. Our mining and coal fired power business is dragging overall growth.’”

For each index, a reading above 50 percent indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 percent indicates contraction.