Over the decades, minority-owned businesses have steadily carved out a strong presence in the U.S. industrial sector. While minority-owned manufacturing establishments represent just a fraction of the country’s overall manufacturing base, these businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. With growth in employment and a concentration in high-demand industries such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food production, minority-owned manufacturers continue to expand their influence.
This special report from MNI will explore some of key trends and statistics among minority-owned manufacturers and examine the top minority-owned manufacturers in the U.S.
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustrySelect, surveyed the nation’s 2,700+ minority-owned industrial businesses in the U.S. directly collecting key data points on this powerful demographic:
• There are currently 2,718 minority-owned industrial businesses in the U.S., employing 32,321 workers.
• Employment among minority-owned manufacturers has increased slightly (0.28%) in the past year.
• More minority-owned industrial businesses are concentrated in the U.S. South at 35%, followed by the Pacific/Mountain region at 27%.
• Average reported sales among minority-owned businesses stands at at $18 billion.
• Nearly half (47%) of minority-owned industrial businesses are also woman-owned, compared to just 2% of U.S. manufacturers as a whole.
• Minority-owned manufacturers are major exporters, with 38% of minority-owned companies distributing their products internationally.
• 22% of minority-owned industrial businesses import raw materials.
• Minority-owned manufacturers are overwhelmingly privately-owned, with just 4 companies (less than one percent) reporting public ownership.
Minority-owned manufacturers in the U.S. span a diverse range of industries, with strong representation in key sectors such as plastics, automotive, food processing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and printing. Based on employment figures collected by MNI, the following industries stand out as the largest contributors to minority-owned manufacturing in the country.
Plastics Manufacturing (SIC 3089) With over 5,500 employees, plastics manufacturing is the leading industry among minority-owned manufacturers. Companies in this sector produce a wide range of plastic products, including packaging materials, consumer goods, and industrial components.
Automotive Parts & Industrial Machinery (SIC 3714 & SIC 3599) The automotive supply chain is another area where minority-owned manufacturers excel. The motor vehicle parts & accessories industry (SIC 3714) employs more than 3,600 workers, while industrial machinery (SIC 3599) adds another 2,900 jobs. These manufacturers play a crucial role in the production of components for vehicles and factory equipment, supporting both domestic and global markets. Minority-owned businesses in this sector often serve as key suppliers to major automakers and industrial firms.
Food Processing & Packaged Goods (SIC 2099 & SIC 2038) Food manufacturing has a significant presence among minority-owned manuafcturers, with miscellaneous food preparations (SIC 2099) employing over 3,100 workers and frozen specialties (SIC 2038) contributing another 2,000 jobs. Minority-owned businesses in this sector produce a variety of consumer goods, including frozen meals, baked goods, and specialty ethnic foods. This sector's strength highlights the growing influence of diverse culinary traditions and the increasing demand for ready-to-eat and specialty food products.
Electronics & High-Tech Manufacturing (SIC 3679 & SIC 3672) The electronics sector is another stronghold for minority-owned manufacturers, particularly in electronic components (SIC 3679) and printed circuit boards (SIC 3672), which collectively employ more than 4,400 workers. These businesses manufacture critical components for computing, telecommunications, and consumer electronics.
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Products (SIC 2834) With over 2,300 employees, the pharmaceutical preparations industry (SIC 2834) is a key area for minority-owned businesses. Companies in this sector focus on the production of generic and specialty drugs, as well as medical-grade supplements.
Printing & Sheet Metal Fabrication (SIC 2759 & SIC 3444) The commercial printing industry (SIC 2759) employs nearly 2,000 workers, serving industries such as publishing, packaging, and advertising. Minority-owned businesses in this sector specialize in digital and offset printing, label production, and custom packaging solutions. Meanwhile, sheet metal work manufacturing (SIC 3444) employs more than 1,500 people, supporting the construction, aerospace, and industrial equipment sectors.
Minority-owned manufacturers in the U.S. are more than just small businesses; they are industry leaders, exporters, and innovators. From pharmaceuticals and electronics to industrial machinery and automotive parts, these companies are shaping the future of American manufacturing.
Company | City | State | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|---|
Robinson Pharma, Inc. | Santa Ana | CA | 1,000 |
Bellisio Foods, Inc. | Jackson | OH | 900 |
Ole Mexican Foods, Inc. | Norcross | GA | 850 |
Sweet Street Desserts | Reading | PA | 850 |
TOLMAR, Inc. | Fort Collins | CO | 800 |
Dakkota Integrated Systems, LLC | Brighton | MI | 750 |
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. | Houston | TX | 750 |
Flex-N-Gate Corp. Oklahoma | Ada | OK | 700 |
Vuteq USA, Inc. | Princeton | IN | 650 |
Bridgewater Interiors, LLC | Lansing | MI | 600 |
Connect with 2,700+ minority-owned manufacturing businesses and their 6,900+ executives with the Minority-Owned Manufacturing Business Database, only from MNI.
Robinson Pharma, Inc. (Santa Ana, CA):
Robinson Pharma, Inc. is a leading contract manufacturer of dietary supplements, offering a comprehensive range of services from formulation to packaging. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to quality, Robinson Pharma produces a wide array of supplements, including softgels, tablets, and powders
Bellisio Foods, Inc. (Jackson, OH):
Bellisio Foods, Inc. is a fast-growing company known for its high-quality frozen meals. With a focus on innovation and consumer satisfaction, Bellisio Foods offers a variety of delicious and convenient meal options under several well-known brands.
Ole Mexican Foods, Inc. (Norcross, GA):
Ole Mexican Foods, Inc. has been producing authentic Mexican food products for over 35 years. Known for their high-quality tortillas, cheeses, and other traditional Mexican foods, Ole Mexican Foods aims to bring the rich flavors of Mexico to families across the globe.
Sweet Street Desserts (Reading, PA):
Founded in 1979, Sweet Street Desserts is a leading innovator in the dessert industry. The company offers a wide range of gourmet desserts, including cakes, cookies, and brownies, all made with high-quality, sustainable ingredients.
TOLMAR, Inc. (Fort Collins, CO):
TOLMAR, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company specializing in long-acting injectable drug delivery. With a focus on urology, oncology, and endocrinology, TOLMAR is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative treatments.
Dakkota Integrated Systems, LLC (Brighton, MI):
Dakkota Integrated Systems, LLC provides comprehensive assembly and supply chain management services for the automotive industry. Known for their commitment to quality and efficiency, Dakkota plays a crucial role in the production of automotive interiors.
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. (Houston, TX):
Piping Technology & Products, Inc. manufactures high-quality pipe supports, expansion joints, and other piping products. With over 45 years of experience, the company serves a wide range of industries, including petrochemical, power, and construction.
Flex-N-Gate Corp. (Ada, OK):
Flex-N-Gate Corp. is a major supplier of automotive parts, specializing in plastics, metals, and mechanical assemblies. The company is known for its commitment to innovation and quality, providing comprehensive solutions for the automotive industry.
Vuteq USA, Inc. (Princeton, IN):
Vuteq USA, Inc. is an on-site supplier for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, providing value-added assembly and logistics services. With a focus on continuous improvement and community involvement, Vuteq plays a vital role in the production of automotive components.
Bridgewater Interiors, LLC (Lansing, MI):
Bridgewater Interiors, LLC specializes in the just-in-time manufacturing and delivery of automotive seating and interior systems. As one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the U.S., Bridgewater Interiors is known for its high-quality products and strong community impact.
Did you know? The Minority Owned Manufacturing Business Database profiles over 2,700 U.S. minority-owned manufacturers and their 6,900+ executives across diverse industries.
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