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Manufacturing activity in the Chicago area expanded for the first time in three months, the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago said Friday.

ISM’s business index rose to a reading of 50.4, from 49.9 in October. ReadingsÌýover 50 indicate expansion.

Economists had forecast the index would rise to 50.5, Bloomberg reported.

Chicago is a major center of U.S. manufacturing, which is one of trucking’s largest and most important customers.