The U.S. manufacturing sector grew for a 17th straight month in December, adding to recent evidence that a recovery in the U.S. economy was picking up steam, according to an industry report released on Monday.

The Institute for Supply Management said its index of national factory activity rose to 57.0 last month from 56.6 in November. That was in line with the 57.0 median forecast of the 57 economists surveyed by Reuters.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector.