Insights & Intelligence

IndustrySelect Blog

Sales and marketing trends, industrial statistics, and B2B intelligence from the MNI team.

IndustrySelect News & Resources

Introducing the IndustrySelect API: Connect Your Systems Directly to Our Industrial Database

Pro+ subscribers can now integrate IndustrySelect company and executive data directly into their CRM, ERP, marketing platform, or custom software. No manual exports, no third-party connectors required. For enterprise sales and marketing teams, the data is only as valuable as it is accessible. Logging in, searching, exporting a file, and manually moving records into a CRM or ERP system works. But it is slow, it breaks down at scale, and also creates the kind of friction that keeps great data from being used as often as it should be.

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IndustrySelect News & Resources

LinkedIn Profiles Now Linked Directly from Executive Contacts in IndustrySelect

Pro+ subscribers can now jump directly from an IndustrySelect executive contact to their LinkedIn profile, opening up a powerful new channel for research, relationship building, and outreach. LinkedIn has become one of the most important tools in the modern B2B sales and marketing toolkit. Industrial decision makers are increasingly active on the platform: following industry news, engaging with suppliers, and responding to thoughtful outreach from people who have clearly done their homework.

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IndustrySelect News & Resources

Skip the Switchboard: Introducing Direct Dials for Executive Contacts on IndustrySelect

IndustrySelect is launching a pilot program for direct dial phone numbers on executive contact profiles. Over 200,000 direct dials are already in the database, and we are actively growing that number. We want your feedback. Anyone who has spent time in industrial sales knows the frustration of calling a company's main line, working through a receptionist, getting transferred twice, and ending up in a voicemail box that may never be checked. Direct access to the person you actually need to reach is one of the most valuable things a sales rep can have.

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Industrial News

New U.S. Manufacturing Operations Announced in April 2026

In February, we reported on new plants and expansion tied to growing demand for AI infrastructure, and in March, that trend accelerated. In April, it reached a whole new level. Advanced manufacturing drove investment this month with the continued buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure, next-generation semiconductor capacity, and the power systems required to support them. At the same time, defense-related manufacturing continues to gain momentum, alongside major investments in pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials. Together, these projects point to a broader realignment of U.S. manufacturing around high-growth, high-priority industries. Spanning multiple states and representing billions in investment, here are the latest new plants and expansions announced across the U.S. in April 2026.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Alabama

With strongholds in the automotive, aerospace, and food processing sectors, not to mention competitive labor costs and a business-friendly climate, it's no wonder companies are investing heavily in the state of Alabama. In this post, we'll take a look at the latest manufacturing statistics for Alabama and introduce you to the state's ten largest manufacturing employers. Whether you're looking to sell into this market or build strategic partnerships, knowing who's who in Alabama manufacturing can give you a powerful edge.

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Marketing by Industry

Key Facts & Trends in the U.S. Leather Industry

From fashion accessories to car interiors, leather remains a popular material for many items due to its durability and reputation for quality. Even though we often associate leather with timeless style, the leather industry is undergoing significant changes.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Indiana

With its low business costs, top-notch infrastructure, and generous incentive programs, Indiana is a major state for manufacturing, home to some major names in the pharmaceutical, automotive and steelmaking industries. This article will explore some key statistics on Indiana's manufacturing sector and provide a look at the state's top companies.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Arizona

Arizona is a powerful manufacturing state, home to major names in the electronics and aerospace industries. The state's educated workforce, abundance of capital, and favorable regulatory environment has helped foster a massive electronics manufacturing hub. Today, we're exploring some of the key facts and trends in Arizona manufacturing and taking a look at the largest manufacturing companies in the state.

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IndustrySelect News & Resources

Meet the New AI Customer Match: Turn Your Customer List into a Precision Prospecting Strategy

IndustrySelect's AI Customer Match has been significantly upgraded. Upload your existing customer data and walk away with a complete, data-driven picture of your market and a targeted list of prospects that look exactly like your best buyers. Most sales and marketing teams in the industrial sector are sitting on more intelligence than they realize. The problem is that it is buried in old spreadsheets, CRM records of varying quality, and disconnected lead lists that no one has had time to clean up and learn from. Available to all IndustrySelect subscription tiers, the improved AI Customer Match changes that. In a process that takes minutes rather than days, you can upload your existing customer data, let our AI match it against our live, human-verified industrial database, and then run a deep analysis of your customer base that surfaces exactly where your sales efforts are already succeeding and where your best untapped opportunities lie.

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Marketing/Sales Resources

When Deal Reviews Stop Surfacing Truth

Lost deals feel personal. Earlier in my lead gen career, deal reviews felt more like moments of evaluation. The questions were predictable: What were your numbers? Why did or didn't you hit goal? On paper, those were reasonable asks. Any organization needs data. Any leader needs to understand where things broke down. But in the room I was in, those questions landed differently. I wasn't thinking about trends or process gaps. I was thinking about how every answer might be interpreted.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Florida

Thanks to its strong economy and robust infrastructure, Florida is an attractive destination for many manufacturers. The Sunshine State boasts a diverse economy, and its manufacturing sector is consistently adding jobs thanks to growth in industries like aerospace and electronics. This article will explore the latest facts, statistics, and top companies in Florida's manufacturing sector based on data collected directly from the state's manufacturers by MNI.

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Marketing/Sales Resources

The Hidden Complexity Behind Manufacturing Prospecting

If prospecting into manufacturing feels harder than other industries, it is not your imagination. The same strategies that work in SaaS, finance, or general B2B often fall short when applied to industrial markets. Lists look solid. Outreach goes out. Activity is there. But results lag behind expectations. Manufacturing operates differently from almost every other B2B category, and unless your prospecting approach reflects that reality, even disciplined teams will underperform. The data backs this up: industrial equipment sales see appointment booking rates of roughly 8%, well below broader B2B benchmarks, reflecting longer evaluation periods, higher price points, and the kind of technical complexity that makes generic outreach especially ineffective.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Mississippi

With its low business costs and abundant natural resources, the state of Mississippi is home to a number of powerful manufacturing companies, including some top names in the auto and food industries. Today, we're providing an inside look at the state's manufacturing sector based on data collected by MNI and exploring the top industrial companies in Mississippi.

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Marketing by Industry

Key Facts and Trends in the U.S. Electronic and Electrical Equipment Manufacturing Industry

From smartphones to smart grids, electronics are the backbone of modern life and business. Whether it's powering homes, automating factories, or enabling AI breakthroughs, the U.S. electronic and electrical equipment industry is foundational to our economy and innovation. Today, we're exploring key trends shaping the industry, including vital facts and statistics on this essential industry based on exclusive data collected by MNI.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in California

Home to 22,000 manufacturers and more than a million industrial workers, California is the largest manufacturing state in the U.S. The state's abundance of skilled labor and access to capital has drawn some key innovative enterprises to its borders, particularly in the aerospace and electronics industries. Today, we're focusing on the latest trends in California manufacturing, including the state's top industries and cities, and we'll also explore its ten largest manufacturing companies.

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Marketing/Sales Resources

Five Tested & True Principles Behind Long-Term Industrial Sales Success

The definition of B2B sales success has evolved beyond hitting monthly quotas or closing a lot of deals. True B2B sales success is about building lasting relationships, providing value, and becoming a trusted advisor to your customers. It requires a shift from a transactional mindset to one that is centered around your customer. Let's take a closer look at the top 5 sales principals behind success.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Washington State

Washington State is not only home to the world's largest manufacturer in terms of volume, but also is among the most attractive states to do business. Washington's diverse manufacturing landscape features major names in aerospace, food processing, electronics and medical device manufacturing. Today, we are exploring Washington's innovative manufacturing sector and exploring the largest industrial companies operating in the state.

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Industrial News

New U.S. Manufacturing Operations Announced in March 2026

In February, we reported on new plants and expansion tied to growing demand for AI infrastructure, and in March, that trend has continued in a big way. Advanced manufacturing truly drove investment this month with the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure. At the same time, defense-related manufacturing is gaining momentum, with new and expanded operations supporting naval programs, aerospace systems, advanced materials, and precision technologies. Together, these trends point to a broader realignment of U.S. manufacturing around strategic, high-stakes industries

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Marketing by Industry

Key Statistics & Trends in the U.S. Furniture & Fixtures Industry

Despite years of offshoring, the U.S. furniture industry is showing promising signs of recovery. Homebound consumers have sparked a renewed interest in high-quality furniture to enhance their living and working spaces, while "Made in USA" pride and a push toward reshoring continues to influence the market. This shift has opened up new opportunities for furniture manufacturers to innovate and expand their offerings. As the industry adapts to these changes, furniture manufacturers are exploring strategies to rebuild and enhance their businesses, including expanding online sales channels, attracting repeat customers, and tapping into new markets. In this article, we will explore the latest trends, statistics, and outlook in the sector and zero in on some key furniture subindustries you should know about.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Michigan

Michigan, the Great Lakes State, is a major manufacturing state. For example, the automotive industry traces its roots to Michigan, where the Big Three auto manufacturers still reside. Not surprisingly, large automotive suppliers also have a strong presence in Michigan. For instance, semiconductor and EV battery manufacturers have located there, not only to shorten their supply chain but also for the state's business-friendly climate.

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Marketing/Sales Resources

Industrial Sales Strategies for Q2 2026: An In-Depth Guide

The second quarter of the year is a crucial time for both manufacturers and those who do business with them. While many industries take a breather as the weather warms, the manufacturing world hits the gas.For B2B salespeople targeting the manufacturing sector, Q2 presents a unique opportunity to make a real impact. This critical growth period presents a confluence of factors: ramping up production, budget evaluations, and strategic planning for the rest of the year. Understanding these challenges faced by your prospects is key to crafting a winning sales strategy.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in Iowa

Looking to do business in Iowa? Having a deep understanding of the state's manufacturing climate can help when it comes to talking to Iowa manufacturers. Today, we're exploring some key facts and insights on Iowa manufacturing and providing information on the ten largest factories in the state.

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Marketing/Sales Resources

The Biggest, Baddest Industrial Prospecting Challenges Facing Sales Teams Today

Industrial prospecting looks very different from prospecting in many other B2B sectors. While many industries rely on large corporate accounts with clearly defined departments, the structure of the manufacturing economy is far more decentralized. According to data collected by MNI, roughly 78 percent of U.S. manufacturers employ fewer than 50 people, and 71 percent operate a single facility. At the same time, more than 80 percent of manufacturers are privately owned, meaning purchasing decisions are often made by a small group of operational leaders rather than large procurement teams. These structural realities create a unique environment for sales, marketing, and business development professionals targeting the manufacturing sector.

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Industrial News

Key Facts and Trends in the U.S. Paper Products Industry

As paper mills close, you might think the paper product industry is on a downward trend. However, the situation is more complex. As digitization replaces the use of some paper products, others experience substantial growth. You will uncover new opportunities and fresh prospects by exploring the evolving directions in this crucial manufacturing sector. Start by looking at the paper industry compared to all manufacturing.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in North Carolina

With its skilled labor pool, low business costs and abundance of shovel-ready sites, North Carolina has wide-ranging appeal for manufacturers. Today, we're focusing on the latest trends in North Carolina's industrial sector and exploring the state's ten largest manufacturing companies. Today, we're focusing on the latest trends in North Carolina's industrial sector and exploring the state's ten largest manufacturing companies.

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IndustrySelect News & Resources

How Taylor Industrial Sales Used IndustrySelect to Find and Win Qualified Industrial Leads

Taylor Industrial Sales is a manufacturer's representative agency specializing in power transmission and material handling equipment. The company serves a diverse range of markets, including mining, phosphate, poultry, food and beverage, boat lift manufacturing, pump systems, and theme parks. Operating across multiple industrial verticals requires accurate prospect intelligence. For Taylor Industrial Sales, finding qualified leads with reliable contact data became increasingly challenging.

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Executive Perspectives

10 Manufacturing Pain Points for 2026

There's no doubt about it. The U.S. manufacturing sector has faced enormous disruption over the past several years. What has changed in 2026 is not the presence of challenges, but the fact that volatility has gone from a phase to the actual operating environment. So what challenges and pain points are manufacturers facing right now, and how might that impact your strategy? Below are the major pressure points shaping manufacturing in 2026 and how they create opportunity for those selling into the sector.

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Regional Data

Top 10 Manufacturing Companies in New Mexico

Home to a number of major energy companies and high-tech manufacturers, New Mexico continues to attract new manufacturing enterprises, drawn by the state's tax climate, comprehensive job training initiatives, and advanced manufacturing resources such as the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies and Center for High Tech Materials. This article will explore the latest facts on New Mexico's manufacturing sector and will provide details on the top manufacturing companies in New Mexico.

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“My sales calls take half as long to organize. I no longer use the yellow pages and hope I can find a prospective customer by trial and error. I generate a massive amount of calls and organize my day starting with this easy to use software.”

Willbanks Metals
★★★★★

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