Manufacturing is still in a world of hurt.

Unstable natural gas prices and supply volatility hurt all Americans, including Virginia families, farms, manufacturing plants and small businesses. I believe allowing states to opt in to deep-water exploration far off the coast will make Virginia and America more secure and more energy-independent.

Manufacturing is expanding, but not as broadly as in November. There was weakness in new orders and employment.

China is becoming a major manufacturing base for the world.

The term is not mine. But it's the best description of how Sun is responding to a manufacturing world that has changed.

A combination of weak consumer spending and challenging world markets is weighing on UK manufacturing.