THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, March 2, 1995                TAG: 9503020568
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: D2   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Daily Digest 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   21 lines

MANUFACTURING GROWS AT SLOWER RATE IN FEB.

American manufacturing grew in February at a significantly slower rate than in the previous month, a widely followed survey of industrial companies reported Wednesday. The National Association of Purchasing Managers said that its index of manufacturing growth dropped to 54.5 percent in February from 57.9 percent a month earlier. The index had been advancing steadily over the past 18 months. An index reading of above 50 percent indicates expansion at the nation's factories. (Associated Press) by CNB