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Manufacturing activity in the Chicago region grew in September, the National Association of Purchasing Management said Tuesday.

NAPM-Chicago’s monthly index fell to a reading of 56.7, from 57.9 in August. Figures lower than 50 signal contraction, above that signal growth.

Economists had expected the index to fall to a reading of 53, Bloomberg reported.

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