Legacy Manufacturing in America: The Oldest Manufacturers in the U.S.A.

This Independence Day, we turn the spotlight to a rare group of companies that have not only witnessed U.S. history, but helped shape it. These are America’s legacy manufacturers: businesses that have operated continuously for 100 years or more. Many were founded before the Civil War, some before the Constitution was even signed. Their roots trace back to a time when the U.S. was still taking shape as a nation.

From mills and forges to publishers and distilleries, these companies helped establish the American manufacturing sector. And remarkably, they’re still in business today.

As a legacy company ourselves, this exclusive report is based on data we’ve collected firsthand from thousands of long-standing manufacturers across the country using a human-first process we've perfected over the course of 113-year history. This research supports our broader initiative to update and expand our comprehensive database of U.S. industrial firms—including our dedicated Manufacturing Legacy (100+ Years in Business) Database.

Key Findings: Legacy Manufacturing in the United States

• MNI has identified more than 14,400 U.S. manufacturers that have operated for 100 years or more.
• These firms employ more than 1.7 million workers.
• Combined, they report average annual sales of $3 trillion.
• 17% of these legacy firms import raw materials.
• The average facility size among them is approximately 213,000 square feet.

The Oldest Manufacturing Companies in America

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About the Oldest Manufacturing Companies in the U.S.

These companies, many of them small and regionally rooted, have stood the test of time. They’ve survived wars, recessions, and sweeping shifts in technology and consumer preferences—all while maintaining a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Worthington Industries (Established 1742) – Theodore, AL – 135 employees

Originally tied to the Taylor-Wharton legacy, this facility became part of Worthington Industries in 2015. It specializes in cryogenic storage and transport systems, supporting sectors like energy, healthcare, and industrial gas.

Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. (Established 1750) – Lincoln, RI – 80 employees

A global leader in tea, coffee, and botanical extracts, Finlay (also known as Autocrat Coffee) crafts sustainable beverage solutions for foodservice and retail brands. Its Rhode Island facility is known for its signature coffee aroma and innovation in cold brew and wellness drinks.

Atkinson Milling Co., Inc. (Established 1757) – Selma, NC – 58 employees

Operating continuously since colonial times, Atkinson Milling is a family-owned producer of stone-ground cornmeal, grits, and hushpuppy mixes. It’s a Southern staple with deep roots in Johnston County.

ITG Brands, LLC (Established 1760) – Greensboro, NC – 300 employees
The third-largest tobacco company in the U.S., ITG Brands is a subsidiary of Imperial Brands. It produces iconic cigarette and cigar brands like Winston, Kool, and Dutch Masters, with headquarters and production in Greensboro.

Philip Carter Vineyards & Winery, LLC (Established 1762) – Hume, VA – 10 employees
Carrying on a 250-year legacy, this winery traces its roots to Charles Carter, who produced the first internationally recognized American wine in 1762. Today, it offers estate-grown wines and immersive tasting experiences in Virginia’s wine country.

The Sherwin-Williams Co. (Established 1767) – Birmingham, AL – 100 employees
While Sherwin-Williams was officially founded in 1866, its Birmingham operations trace back to earlier regional paint and coatings businesses. Today, it provides industrial coatings and floorcovering solutions across Alabama.

Ames/True Temper, Inc. (Established 1777) – Unadilla, NY – 17 employees
Ames True Temper is one of the oldest tool manufacturers in the U.S., producing high-quality lawn and garden tools. The Unadilla facility has a long history in wood product manufacturing and tool handles.

Diller Wierman, Inc. (Established 1779) – Hanover, PA – 8 employees
America’s oldest plumbing and metal fabrication company, Diller Wierman began as a coppersmith shop making whiskey stills. Now in its seventh generation, it specializes in custom welding and sheet metal work.

Laird & Company (Established 1780) – Eatontown, NJ – 35 employees
The oldest licensed distillery in the U.S., Laird & Company is famed for its applejack and apple brandy. Founded by Robert Laird, it supplied spirits to George Washington’s troops and continues to produce award-winning beverages.

Bethel Mills Lumber, Inc. (Established 1781) – Bethel, VT – 40 employees
A cornerstone of Vermont’s building supply industry, Bethel Mills has served contractors and homeowners for over 240 years. It offers lumber, hardware, and millwork across multiple locations in New England.

Theodore Presser Co. (Established 1783) – Malvern, PA – 40 employees
The oldest continuing music publisher in the U.S., Presser traces its roots to the Oliver Ditson Company (1783). It publishes sheet music and represents over 70 international music publishers.

Blair Strip Steel Co. (Established 1783) – New Castle, PA – 85 employees
Blair Strip Steel produces precision cold-rolled strip steel for automotive and aerospace industries. Though founded in 1923, its lineage ties back to early American ironmaking traditions.

Tinsman Brothers, Inc. (Established 1785) – Lumberville, PA – 10 employees
A family-run lumberyard since the 18th century, Tinsman Brothers supplies building materials and hardware to Bucks County and beyond. It’s a rare example of a continuously operated colonial-era business.

Joseph Oat Corp. (Established 1788) – Camden, NJ – 100 employees
A historic fabricator of pressure vessels and heat exchangers, Joseph Oat Corp. serves the defense, nuclear, and industrial sectors. Its Camden facility has supported U.S. infrastructure for over two centuries.

Pepperell Braiding Co. (Established 1789) – Bradford, PA – 17 employees
Known for its crafting cords and industrial braids, Pepperell Braiding has supplied materials for everything from shoelaces to parachutes. It remains a niche manufacturer with deep roots in Pennsylvania.

Nathan Trotter & Co., Inc. (Established 1789) – Coatesville, PA – 20 employees
America’s oldest metals trading company, Nathan Trotter specializes in tin and solder products. It continues to serve the electronics and metal finishing industries with custom alloys and recycling services.

Metals USA, Inc. (Established 1790) – Seekonk, MA – 40 employees
A national processor and distributor of metal products, Metals USA’s Seekonk location supports regional manufacturing with sheet, plate, and structural steel services.

King Arthur Baking Co. (Established 1790) – White River Junction, VT – 375 employees
Founded during George Washington’s presidency, King Arthur is America’s oldest flour company. Now a 100% employee-owned B Corp, it’s a leader in baking education, products, and sustainability.

AkzoNobel, Inc. (Established 1792) – Lombard, IL – 12 employees
Part of the global AkzoNobel group, this site supports the company’s coatings and specialty chemicals business. AkzoNobel’s U.S. presence includes legacy brands dating back to the 18th century.

United States Mint (Established 1792) – Washington, DC – 368 employees
Founded by the Coinage Act of 1792, the U.S. Mint produces coinage for commerce and collectors. It operates multiple facilities and plays a vital role in American monetary history.

Where Legacy Manufacturing Thrives

Legacy manufacturers are spread across the country, but their distribution reflects historic industrial development patterns. The Midwest remains the dominant region, home to 40.28% of these firms. The South follows with 25.87%, and the East Coast accounts for 22.32%. The Pacific and Mountain regions round out the map with 11.53%.

Ohio leads the nation in legacy manufacturing employment, with over 134,000 workers across 1,116 companies. Illinois and Pennsylvania are close behind, both with more than 125,000 legacy manufacturing employees. These states reflect a deep bench of family-run operations and industrial infrastructure passed down over generations.

Top cities for legacy manufacturers reflect traditional industrial strongholds and modern logistics hubs. Everett, WA tops the list, driven by its aerospace sector. St. Louis, Chicago, New York City, and Indianapolis all follow, each city home to dozens—or hundreds—of businesses still operating after a century or more.

Top States for Legacy Manufacturers

1. Ohio – 134,173 employees, 1,116 companies
2. Illinois – 127,327 employees, 1,010 companies
3. Pennsylvania – 125,365 employees, 983 companies
4. Wisconsin – 112,396 employees, 674 companies
5. New York – 98,315 employees, 860 companies
6. Texas – 75,661 employees, 660 companies
7. Michigan – 73,090 employees, 552 companies
8. Indiana – 71,164 employees, 483 companies
9. Minnesota – 66,245 employees, 495 companies
10. Washington – 60,149 employees, 251 companies

Top Cities for Legacy Manufacturers

Top cities for legacy manufacturers reflect traditional industrial strongholds and modern logistics hubs. Everett, WA tops the list, driven by its aerospace sector. St. Louis, Chicago, New York City, and Indianapolis all follow, each city home to dozens—or hundreds—of businesses still operating after a century or more.

1. Everett, Washington – 30,270 employees, 9 companies
2. St. Louis, Missouri – 30,203 employees, 137 companies
3. Chicago, Illinois – 28,363 employees, 201 companies
4. New York, New York – 26,748 employees, 121 companies
5. Indianapolis, Indiana – 24,229 employees, 76 companies

The Industries That Built—and Still Power—American Manufacturing

Legacy manufacturers today are found in nearly every sector, but some industries stand out:

• Food & Kindred Products: 265,037 employees
From century-old grain mills to heritage meatpacking plants and beverage makers, food remains the largest employer among legacy sectors.

• Industrial Machinery: 206,334 employees
Encompassing everything from pumps to turbines, these capital-intensive operations demand deep expertise and long-term investment—ideal conditions for enduring firms.

• Transportation Equipment: 204,059 employees
This includes manufacturers of aircraft, vehicles, and marine equipment—industries historically tied to innovation and infrastructure.

• Printing & Publishing: 194,939 employees
Despite digital disruption, legacy publishers, printers, and bookbinders continue to serve specialized markets with lasting demand.

• Fabricated Metal Products: 156,760 employees
From hand tools to industrial valves, this foundational sector supplies countless industries and thrives on steady demand for durable goods.

About This Data

MNI (Manufacturers' News, Inc.) has tracked U.S. industrial activity since 1912. Our research team of 80 analysts verify company data through direct outreach and hundreds of independent sources.

This manufacturer data powers IndustrySelect, a platform providing real-time access to detailed company profiles for business development, sales, recruiting, and marketing. It also supports IndustryNet, our industrial marketplace that connects buyers with U.S. suppliers across thousands of product categories.

These platforms help professionals make informed decisions with accurate, up-to-date industrial data—delivering insight into the businesses shaping today’s economy, and those that built it from the beginning. Learn more about our Manufacturing Legacy Database or explore all of our databases, by industry, region, executive function, and more.