The manufacturing industry's areal and structural growth trends were analyzed for insights into their possible future role in Appalachia's economy. Between 1950 and 1960, total manufacturing employment expanded in large-, medium-, and small-center population areas, in rates inverse to center size. However, absolute gains in employment were concentrated in areas with large- and medium-size urban centers. The growth of industries among areas in the 1950's was essentially in the nationally fast-growing industries for large- and medium-center areas and in the nationally slow-growing industries in small-center areas. It was concluded that: (1) if the trends of the 1950's continue, the growth prospects of large- and medium-center areas in Appalachia appear brighter than those of small-center areas; and (2) the manufacturing industry will have to grow at higher rates in small-center areas to offset existing unemployment and low incomes and to counteract further declines in agriculture and mining. (JAM)