WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — American manufacturers slowed down a bit in September, but they’re still growing at the fastest rate in several years and expect the good times to continue.

The Institute for Supply Management index said its manufacturing index dropped to 56.6% in September from a three-year high of 59% in August. Any number over 50% means business is going well and most manufacturers are expanding at the fastest clip since 2011.

The gauge of new orders fell to 60% from 66.7%, but that’s still very strong. The August reading was the highest in a decade.

“We are seeing shipments up, year-over-year, in the 8% to 10% range for last couple of months. This is good,” said an executive at a company that makes clothing and leather products.

Hiring intentions also softened after hitting a three-year high late in the summer. The employment gauge declined to 54.6% from 58.1%. Part of the problem: companies say they can’t find enough skilled workers.

“Our search continues for good machinists and electrical engineers,” said a senior executive at a firm that makes heavy machinery.

Production edged up a tick to 64.6%, marking a four-year high.

Most executives had a generally “positive business outlook,” said Bradley Holcomb, who’s in charge of the ISM index.

A similar survey put by the private-research firm Markit on Wednesday also found that manufacturers are running their operations at a high tempo. The Markit index was just a hair below a four-year high in September.

The biggest concern of manufacturers, Holcomb said, is global unrest in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

The ISM index is compiled from a survey of executives who order raw materials and other supplies for their companies. The gauge tends to rise or fall in tandem with the health of the economy.

Fifteen of the 18 industries tracked by ISM reported growth in September. Three said business contracted.