ABC News Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOn US factory activity expands at fastest pace since 1983 U.S. manufacturers expanded in March at the fastest pace in 37 years, a sign of strengthening demand as the pandemic wanes and government emergency aid flows through the economy By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer April 1, 2021, 3:15 PM • 2 min read The Associated Press FILE - In this Oct. 1, 2020 file photo, traffic passes the Boeing airplane production plant, in Everett, Wash. U.S. manufacturers expanded in March 2021 at the fastest pace in 37 years, a sign of strengthening demand as the pandemic wanes and government emergency aid flows through the economy. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, file)