1.   General machinery makers and automakers led the increase in capital investment at manufacturers, while real estate, telecommunications and services led capital investments at nonmanufacturers.

2.   General machinery companies could gain as capital spending picks up, Yagi said.

3.   In North America, sales rose both to automakers and to the general machinery industry.

4.   Inventories of metal products, electronics and general machinery rose the most, the ministry said.

5.   Output of chemicals and general machinery declined.

6.   Production in April will be boosted by steel, electronics and general machinery companies, according to the MITI survey.

7.   The company said the second half looks even better, due to a turnaround in laggard sectors such as general machinery.

8.   Dragging down production in November was a plunge in the manufacture of transportation equipment and general machinery, MITI said.

9.   Gainers included oil and printing issues and some precision machinery stocks, while losers included some general machinery and high-technology stocks.

10.   Its products are used in the automotive, aerospace, defense, rail, and general machinery industries.