Manufacturing generates about 12 percent of national GDP, a higher percentage than many other sectors including retail, wholesale trade, health care or financial services, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

FORBES: Manufacturing's heavy lifting within the U.S. economy

Other U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes wholesale trade and consumer credit data.

FORBES: Comex Gold, Silver Slightly Lower as Key U.S. Jobs Report Awaited

Other U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes monthly wholesale trade and the monthly USDA supply and demand report for major grains.

FORBES: A.M. Kitco Metals Roundup: Gold Lower, Hits 2-Week Low, in Wake of Stronger U.S. Employment Data