New figures show that manufacturing in Europe is operating well, leading the economic recovery.
The latest Markit Flash Eurozone Composite Output Index rose in April to reach 57.3, compared to 55.9 the previous month.
Of that growth, manufacturing continued to lead the upturn, recording the fastest rate of growth since June 2000 and marking the ninth consecutive month of expansion.
Commenting on the flash PMI data, Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said the statistics suggest a strong recovery as we move into the second quarter of the financial year.
"Manufacturers are showing the best performance for ten years, with the PMI signalling near-double-digit annual growth, and the recovery is also gaining momentum in services," he stated.
Mr Williamson went on to say that as a result job losses have been minimal and in some areas almost halted.
One area of the manufacturing sector that has been performing particularly well in the UK is the food industry, as firms in the bulk discharging and metering profession continue to see productions increase.
