The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded at a faster rate in December than in November, according to the Institute for Supply Management's key purchasing managers' index for manufacturing released today. The employment portion of the index also expanded at a faster rate.

December's index reading was 55.9, up from 53.6 in November. Readings of more than 50 indicate expansion.

The employment portion of the index rose to 52.0 in December from 50.8 in November.

"Overall, the recovery in manufacturing is continuing, but there are still some industries mired in the downturn," said Norbert Ore, chair of the institute's nonmanufacturing business survey committee.

The seven industries not reporting growth included wood products, nonmetallic mineral products, miscellaneous manufacturing, plastics and rubber products, chemical products, printing and related support activities, and fabricated metal products.