Washington ? America’s factories saw orders jump in March by the largest amount in more than a year and a half, a sign that the nation’s manufacturers are getting a firmer grip on their own business recovery.

The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that orders placed with factories went up 4.3 percent in March from the previous month. That marked the biggest increase since July 2002 and exceeded economists’ forecasts for a 2.4 percent advance.

March’s orders figure, which followed a 1.1 percent increase in February, reflected stronger demand for a variety of goods, including cars, machinery, household appliances, food, clothes and chemicals.

March was the first time in 44 consecutive months that the manufacturing sector did not lose jobs. But it didn’t gain any either, according to the government’s monthly employment report.

With the national economy building momentum and demand from overseas improving, some economists are hopeful that factories will step up hiring in the coming months.