The manufacturing activities in New York state region continued to expand in March, hitting the highest level in more than a year, a survey showed on Thursday.

The Empire State Manufacturing Survey, which is released monthly by New York Federal Reserve, showed that the general business conditions index rose from 19.53 to 20.21 in March, the highest level since June 2010. The figure had gained for four consecutive months, suggesting that the manufacturing activities continued to rally in New York state area.

According to the survey, manufacturers in the region are keeping their inventories steady and continued to add workforces this month.

However, manufacturers were still concerned about rising business cost as the price paid index rose a steep 25 points to 50. 6 in March.