Canadian manufacturers had a strong March, following a slight increase in factory shipments in February, as previous supply disruptions caused by the rail strike and the refinery fire in Ontario were rectified.

Statistics Canada reported today that manufacturers shipped goods worth an estimated $50.1 billion in March, representing a 2.8% gain over the previous month.

For the first quarter, shipments were up 1.0% compared to the fourth quarter of 2006.

Using constant dollars, which take price fluctuations into account, the volume of shipments rose 1.6% to $45.1 billion, the fourth increase in five months.

The government agency said shipments advanced in 15 of 21 manufacturing sectors, representing about 78% of total output.

Both durable and non-durable goods saw shipments increase in March. The petroleum and coal products industry continued to heavily influence the direction of non-durable shipments, with a 2.2% increase in non-durable goods to $22.4 billion. Durable goods increased 3.3% on the back of strong automotive and aerospace production.

Separately, StatsCan said new motor vehicle sales edged up in March after two consecutive monthly declines. Consumers purchased 137,050 new vehicles, edging up 110 vehicles or 0.1% from the previous month.