Georgia manufacturing rebounded from a recent slump and showed growth for the first time in three months, according to the Purchasing Managers Index released by Kennesaw State University’s Econometric Center in the Michael J. Coles College of Business.

Georgia’s PMI increased 3.2 points to 52.5 in July — the first time since April that the index has been above 50, the minimum benchmark for manufacturing growth. The PMI of 52.5 reflects an increase in five of the six categories measured.

Increases in production and employment accounted for much of July’s uptick, according to the report. Production increased 6.5 points based on 4.6 percent more respondents reporting higher production for the month, while employment jumped 19 points as 30.8 percent more respondents reported higher figures.

Georgia’s PMI was nearly identical to the national index for July, which dipped by 0.6 to 52.6. Nationally, 11 of 18 manufacturing industries reported growth in July, including textile mills, miscellaneous manufacturing, chemical products, petroleum and coal products, and computer and electronic products.

Summary of highlights from Georgia’s July PMI:

•        New orders up 0.2 points to 46.9, 10.1 points below its six-month average
•        Production up 6.5 points to 53.1, 8.2 points below its six-month average
•        Employment up 19 points to 65.6, 7.9 points above its six-month average
•        Supplier delivery time down 10.2 points to 53.1, 1.8 points below its six-month average
•        Finished inventory up 0.4 points to 43.8, 7.6 points below its six-month average
•        Commodity price up 8.5 points to 71.9, 15.3 points above its six-month average