The nation’s industrial output posted a solid increase in December as recovery in production of Gulf Coast oil and gas wells offset a slump in auto manufacturing.

The Federal Reserve reported that production at the nation’s factories, mines and utilities rose by 0.6 percent last month following gains of 0.8 percent in November and 1 percent in October.

The three strong months represented a recovery in industrial production following a 1.3 percent plunge in September that reflected widespread shutdowns of oil wells, refineries and chemical production in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.