A monthly survey by Kennesaw State University’s Econometric Center says Georgia’s manufacturing sector showed new orders rising for the fourth consecutive month, while production and hiring also increased.

Although manufacturing is still in decline, the situation now looks better than the “historic lows” of November and December, according Don Sabbarese, director of the Center.

The Georgia report parallels a national survey, released earlier this week, that also showed a higher level of orders and production.

Manufacturing still accounts for roughly 1/10th of the jobs in Georgia.

The sector tends to provide above-average pay and is considered important in adding other jobs. Georgia unemployment in February was 9.3%.