CBJ - January 20 - Manufacturing sales rose two per cent in November to $49.6 billion, the fourth increase in five months, according to a report released by Statistics Canada. The gains reflected higher sales in the machinery, petroleum and coal product, and motor vehicle industries.

Constant dollar manufacturing sales rose 1.7 per cent, also the fourth increase in five months.

Higher sales were reported in 14 of 21 industries, representing about 80 per cent of Canadian manufacturing. Both durable (2.4 per cent) and non-durable goods manufacturers (1.5 per cent) reported gains.

The machinery industry reached its highest sales level ever in November, with sales rising 13.4 per cent to $3.4 billion. The growth was mostly concentrated in the mining and oil and gas field machinery manufacturing industry, where a number of companies completed large projects for delivery to both domestic and international customers.

Sales in the petroleum and coal product industry advanced 3.9 per cent to $7.6 billion, the fourth increase in five months. The gains partly reflect higher production following maintenance and retooling work over the summer and fall 2011.

Motor vehicle sales rose in November with manufacturers reporting a 7.1 per cent increase to $4.1 billion. Sales have advanced 24.9 per cent, since a low-point reached in June 2011. These gains reflect a partial resolution of the supply chain problems during the summer and fall 2011.

The overall sales increases were somewhat offset by declines in the computer and electronic product industry, down 11 per cent to $1.2 billion.

Manufacturing sales rose in nine provinces in November, with Ontario, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador posting the largest provincial increases in dollar terms.

In Ontario, manufacturers reported a two per cent increase in sales to $22.5 billion. The motor vehicle, aerospace product and parts, and machinery industries were the main contributors to the gain.

Manufacturers in Alberta reported a 5.9 per cent rise in sales to $6.4 billion, the largest percentage increase since May 2008. Gains in November were focused in the machinery, and petroleum and coal product industries.