The US metal manufacturing industry employs more than 1.3 million people and generates $359 billion in shipments annually. If you’re involved in the metalworking industry, it’s worth keeping tabs on the largest companies operating in the industry. Whether they’re making hardware, vehicles, cutlery, or engines, the successes and failures of these companies impact us all.
Before we list out the top metal manufacturers, you might find our metal fabrication industry page helpful. We list useful industry information, such as the top associations, journals, and tradeshows. Click on the below image and check out our metal fabrication page.
Arconic specializes in lightweight materials manufacturing, which are used in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, and construction industries. One of its lightweight alloys recently made news when it helped Chrysler reduce the weight of the Jeep Wrangler by a whopping 75 pounds. Arconic’s CEO resigned in 2017 amid investor frustration with underwhelming profits, but the company has since bounced back.
Founded 119 years ago as the Muzzy-Lyon Company (not every surname makes a great brand name, unfortunately), Federal-Mogul operates two separate divisions: one for powertrains and one for motor parts. In the late 1990s, they acquired several businesses that manufactured products containing asbestos and found their funds insufficient to cover the associated damages. This led Federal-Mogul to declare bankruptcy in 2002. The company has bounced back since then, and in 2018 Tenneco purchased Federal Mogul for $5.4 billion.
On a global level, Gerdau is based in Sau Paulo and is the world’s fourteenth largest steel manufacturer. Gerdau USA operates out of Tampa, FL. Their core business involves transforming scrap metal into steel products. Tariffs may have a major impact on this area of business, so it will be worth keeping an eye on how international companies like Gerdau respond to major shifts in how their US divisions are able to function.
Gillette was absorbed into Proctor & Gamble in 2007, but men’s and women’s safety razors and personal care products are still manufactured under the Gillette brand name. Gillette is facing increased competition in the razor market, and it remains to be seen whether or not recently adjusted pricing will have the positive impact on sales that P&G is hoping for.
Best known to most people for their bath fixtures, Kohler is also a manufacturer of small industrial engines. They’ve recently expanded into new technology as well with their Kohler Konnect line, which was unveiled in 2018. This consists of wirelessly connected home smart devices including shower heads, mirrors, and toilets.
MRC Global is the largest distributor of pipe, valve, and fitting products to the energy and industrial markets. MRC Global came into being in 2007 when the McJunkin Corporation and the Red Man Pipe and Supply Company merged. The company’s stock has seen record highs in recently, along with a host of associated news coverage.
Originally formed in Portland, Oregon in 1953, Precision Castparts (now a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway) primarily manufactures parts for the aerospace and defense industry, specifically jet engine components. While they struggled with a reputation for environmental pollution in the early 2010s, they seem to have recovered well and are gaining ground in the high-performance alloys market.
A big name in tools and household hardware, Stanley Black & Decker has been around since 1920 and continues to grow today. The company’s earnings are projected to grow 10.23% over the next three to five years in response to rising demand. Brands like Craftsman, Lenox, and Irwin are increasing in popularity, so the company seems well-positioned for the future.
The employees that work at the above companies engage in some of the most hazardous working environments. Here are the top industries experiencing injuries:
Metal Fabrication Sub-Industry | Recordable Injury Cases |
---|---|
Forging and stamping | 6 |
Prefabricated metal building and component manufacturing | 6 |
Custom roll forming | 5.6 |
Sheet metal work manufacturing | 5.6 |
Fabricated structural metal manufacturing | 5.4 |
All of the companies above specialize in a specific area of metalworking. They look to MCR Safety in providing safety gear designed to keep their employees safe. At MCR Safety, we believe high quality safety products are the key to keeping metalworking employees safe. In addition, we believe safety knowledge is important too, which is why we list out products designed for working around certain metal fabrication hazards. Just click the image and let us help keep you protected!