Operations executives are the backbone of a manufacturing company's ability to stay competitive, efficient, and productive. Their role involves overseeing everything from supply chain logistics to production processes, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly while also driving long-term strategic initiatives. However, maintaining operational efficiency in today's complex and rapidly changing landscape comes with its own set of challenges.

In our post On the Road Again: The Power of Face-to-Face Meetings in Industrial Sales, we shared some intriguing stats on the value of in-person meetings for industrial salespeople, finding that even as the business world continues to embrace digital tools, in-person meetings are experiencing a resurgence in the post-pandemic world.

The U.S. plastics and manufacturing sector is a dynamic and growing industry, demonstrating strong exports and employment growth in recent years. A large and complex industry that encompasses everything from mechanical rubber goods and gaskets to plastic film and foam products, having a deep understanding of this market can help industrial sales and marketing professionals navigate the industry. This article will break down the key elements of the rubber and plastics sector in the U.S, including major subsectors, and will examine the latest trends, statistics, and challenges in the industry.

Missouri boasts a robust and diverse industrial landscape, with aerospace, transportation, and food products leading the charge in driving economic growth. Known as the Show-Me State, Missouri is home to a dynamic manufacturing sector that continues to innovate and expand. In this article, we will explore latest manufacturing trends and highlight the top companies that are shaping these key industries.

As we continue our "Executive Perspectives" series, the spotlight shifts to purchasing executives who play a critical role in managing supply chains and making strategic purchasing decisions within the manufacturing sector. The year 2024 presents unique challenges for these leaders, driven by global supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and the need for greater sustainability. So what else is keeping purchasing executives up at night--and what types of solutions are they seeking? Let's take a look:

Are you struggling to close deals in the competitive industrial sector? Just as businesses began to recover from the pandemic's massive economic impact, a new looming recession in 2024 began to bring on more uncertainty. This involves layoffs and budget cuts. Because of this, B2B sales in 2024 requires a more thorough approach and needing a clear strategy to win more deals in the B2B industrial sector.

With its low business costs and abundant natural resources, Montana is an attractive state for many manufacturers. While historically strong in the lumber and wood industries, the state has also drawn a diverse set of industries to its borders in recent years, including some key players in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.

This week, we continue our "Executive Perspectives" series by focusing on the challenges faced by human resources (HR) executives in the manufacturing sector as they navigate the complexities of 2024. With the manufacturing industry at the heart of economic growth and innovation, HR leaders must contend with a unique set of issues that demand strategic foresight and adaptability.

As U.S. manufacturers continue to expand and invest in new facilities, several key projects have been announced across the country in August. These developments highlight the ongoing growth and diversification within the industry, from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing technologies. From steel frames in Arkansas to solar panels in Texas, don't miss our roundup of the most exciting new manufacturing ventures announced in August:

West Virginia has long been known for its coal mining industry, but over the past decade the state has transformed its manufacturing sector, attracting enterprises from a wide range of industries to its borders. West Virginia's largest manufacturers are emblematic of this trend, with some big names in the automotive, food processing, defense, steel and chemical industries all calling the state home.



Today, we're exploring the latest facts on West Virginia's industrial sector and getting to know the state's ten largest manufacturing companies.

In the manufacturing sector, capital investment is essential for staying competitive and fostering growth. For financial executives tasked with overseeing these investments, the process is fraught with complexities and hurdles. For those in industrial sales, marketing, and business development, understanding these challenges can be a game-changer.

Email remains one of the most powerful tools for B2B marketers, especially in the industrial sector. However, the effectiveness of email campaigns heavily depends on the ability to reach the intended recipients' inboxes. With the increasing sophistication of spam filters and the ever-present threat of phishing and spoofing, ensuring that your emails are authenticated properly is crucial. This is where SPF, DKIM, and DMARC come into play.

The printing and publishing industry has been transitioning to an increasingly digital environment over the past decade. The last year has introduced further challenges with the rise of AI, a trend that is prompting printing & publishing companies to review their digital strategies. These changes are also creating new opportunities.

With its abundant natural resources, low labor costs and business-friendly environment, the state of Nebraska is home to some major names in the food processing and transportation equipment sector.



Today, we're providing some key facts on Nebraska's manufacturing sector and exploring the state's ten largest industrial companies.

Engineering executives in manufacturing navigate a complex landscape fraught with unique challenges that significantly impact their ability to drive innovation, productivity, and overall business success. Understanding these pain points is crucial for sales, marketing, and business development professionals seeking to build meaningful relationships with this critical audience.

In the fast-paced world of industrial sales and marketing, data is the currency that fuels decision-making, strategic planning, and closing deals. For professionals working with manufacturers, the quality of contact data is essential. However, a silent threat looms over the integrity of this data: data decay.

Wisconsin's skilled workforce and its strong focus on innovation have drawn some major enterprises to the state over the years. Home to nearly 10,000 manufacturing plants employing more than 590,000 workers, the Badger State ranks as the 8th largest state in the U.S. for the size of its manufacturing workforce.

In the competitive landscape of industrial sales, the power of a referral cannot be overstated. A referral acts as a bridge of trust between a potential client and your business, often leading to appointments that are more likely to convert into sales. Today, we're unpacking some effective strategies for increasing sales referrals to help you significantly boost your appointment bookings, enhance sales efficiency, and increase customer acquisition.

The U.S. primary metals industry is a cornerstone of manufacturing, driving innovation and economic growth across various sectors. This dynamic industry encompasses companies that transform raw materials into essential metal products, providing the foundation for countless applications in construction, automotive, aerospace, and beyond.

For those looking to do business with Pennsylvania manufacturers, it helps to have a solid grasp of the state's manufacturing climate, particularly in these fast-changing times.



Today we're focusing on some key insights on Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector and providing a look at the state's top companies.

The aerospace industry is soaring to new heights, with groundbreaking innovations that are transforming the way we fly and explore space. As we look to the future, leading companies like Boeing, Airbus, SpaceX, and Lockheed Martin are pioneering advancements that promise to revolutionize air travel and space exploration. Here's a closer look at how these industry giants are shaping tomorrow's aerospace landscape.

MNI is excited to announce the release of twenty-three IndustrySelect executive databases, providing exclusive access to executive contacts across a wide range of industries and helping sales, marketing, and business development professionals connect with key decision-makers and drive strategic initiatives.

With nearly 600 industrial companies, Delaware is the nation's smallest state based on number of manufacturing facilities. But although the state's industrial sector is small, it is also powerful, home to major pharmaceutical companies, advanced manufacturing facilities, medical equipment manufacturers and large food processing companies.



This article will explore the latest facts on Delaware's manufacturing sector and will provide details on the top manufacturing companies in Delaware.

While it might be the dog days of summer, U.S. manufacturers have been far from idle. July has seen a flurry of significant developments, with major investments and new facilities emerging across the country. From breakthroughs in aerospace to expansions in biotechnology and beyond, these initiatives underscore the industry's relentless drive and innovation. Today, we're exploring all of the standout manufacturing operations and expansions announced in July.

Average yearly sales of $2 trillion make the transportation equipment industry a significant portion of the U.S. economy. This sector of manufacturing encompasses any machinery that transports people or goods. It includes everything from bicycles to jet planes. You will see many processes employed in producing this equipment, including bending, welding, forming, machining, and assembly.

When we think of the state of Colorado, "the great outdoors" is the first thing that comes to mind. But Colorado is also a powerful manufacturing state, with a diverse industrial landscape that includes two major breweries as well as big names in defense, medical device manufacturing, aerospace and food processing.



Today, we are exploring Colorado's innovative manufacturing sector and exploring the largest industrial companies operating in the state.

The digital age has ushered in a plethora of tools and platforms that have transformed the way salespeople interact with potential clients. Emails, video conferences, and social media have become staples in the sales toolkit, offering convenience and a broad reach. This, of course, intensified during the pandemic, leaving in-person meetings out in the cold. Now, however, face-to-face meetings in industrial sales are making a strong comeback. Today, we're exploring the latest statistics that support the enduring value of in-person interactions in industrial sales and examining some tricks and tools for maximizing the impact of your in-person meetings, and the #1 key to securing more in-person meetings.

The state of Connecticut boasts a diverse manufacturing sector, making everything from high-tech aeronautics equipment and medical devices to semiconductor components and pharmaceuticals. With its highly educated workforce and focus on advanced manufacturing, Connecticut remains a top destination for high-tech and innovative enterprises.



Today, we're exploring some of the key facts on the state's unique industrial sector and examining Connecticut's ten largest manufacturing companies, based on data collected by MNI.

Cold calling. It conjures fears of awkward pitches, immediate hang-ups, or outright rejection. But what if we told you it could be a powerful tool for generating leads and building relationships with potential customers? The truth is, many myths cloud the effectiveness of cold calling.

Amidst reports of economic uncertainty, the U.S. food production industry shines as a beacon of growth. With 22,407 companies providing 1.5 million jobs and average annual combined sales of $1.8 trillion, the industry continues to thrive despite challenges faced by certain subindustries. In this post, we'll explore the vital statistics and subindustries of the U.S. food production industry and why sales continue to increase.