Canadian manufacturing plants were busy in March as shipments rose 3.4% to $47.7 billion, Statistics Canada said today.

Ontario, the country’s industrial engine, led the pack with shipments of $24.8 billion, up $799 million, or 3.3%. Motor vehicle and metal products contributed to the third increase in shipments in the last four months.

Shipments of motor vehicles jumped more than 8% to $5.8 billion, outpacing all other industries. “Heated global demand and higher industrial prices in the primary metals and wood sectors have so far boosted shipment values in 2004,” StatsCan said.

The agency added that 19 of 21 manufacturing industries, accounting for 98% of the country’s total shipments, reported increases in March.