WASHINGTON—The National Association for Business Economics (NABE) predicts that the U.S. gross domestic product will grow 3.1 percent in 2015—up from a 2.2 percent expansion this year. The NABE also predicts that the jobless rate will come down to 5.4 percent by the end of next year.

I’m not an economist, but it’s clear to me that if I were a country, I’d want my economy to be grounded on the bedrock of making.

WASHINGTON—Spending on construction or renovation of factories is up 12 percent in 2014, compared to being virtually flat in 2013, according to Census Bureau figures.

WASHINGTON—U.S. manufacturing activity hit a nearly 3.5-year high last month and construction spending rebounded strongly in July, signs the economy entered the third quarter on strong footing.

WASHINGTON—After a bleak start to the year, the U.S. economy grew at a brisk annual rate of 4.2 percent in the April-June quarter.

WASHINGTON—New factory orders have risen in four of the past six months, up 1.1 percent in June. Since January, new orders for manufactured goods have increased 4.6 percent.

WASHINGTON—U.S. manufacturing expanded for the 14th straight month in July. The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, reports that its manufacturing index rose to 57.1, up from 55.3 in June. Anything above 50 signals that manufacturing is growing.

WASHINGTON—U.S. factory output increased for the fifth straight month in June as manufacturers cranked out more aircraft, chemicals and furniture. The modest gain underscored manufacturing’s role in helping return the economy to growth after a grim first quarter.

"Happy Days Are Here Again” was a popular song back in the 1930s. Assemblers in many industries have been singing an updated version of the tune lately, because the new golden age of American manufacturing has begun.

WASHINGTON—New factory orders rose for the third straight month, up 0.7 percent in April. This extended the 1.7 percent and 1.5 percent gains seen in February and March, respectively, and it was largely a sign that manufacturers have begun to recover from significant weather-related softness in December and January.