The latest report by IHS Markit revealed on Monday the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit final U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index(PMI) came in at 60.5 in April, up from 59.1 in March and broadly in line with the earlier released “flash” reading of 60.6. The April reading pointed to the strongest growth in factory activity since data collection for the series began in May 2007.

Economists had forecast the index to stay unrevised at 60.6.

According to the report, the headline figure was supported by sharp increases in output and new orders, with the rate of expansion of the latter accelerating to the fastest for 11 years. In addition, unprecedented supplier delivery delays (ordinarily a sign of improvement in operating conditions) also pushed the indicator higher in April.