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In recent years, women-owned industrial businesses have become a driving force in U.S. manufacturing, contributing to economic growth, innovation, and workforce diversity. Despite making up a relatively small percentage of the overall manufacturing sector, these companies are making a significant impact across a range of industries—from fabricated metal products to industrial machinery and food production.
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles and the data engine behind IndustrySelect, directly collects unique data points from the nation’s 360,000+ industrial businesses, including women-owned businesses. Data analyzed from this dynamic segment reveal not only the scale of women-owned industrial businesses but also their strong role in international distribution, minority ownership, and key manufacturing industries.
In this report, we’ll explore the industries where women-owned manufacturers are leading, highlight some of the largest women-owned industrial businesses, and analyze the trends shaping their success.
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustrySelect, surveyed the nation’s 6,200+ women-owned industrial businesses in the U.S., manually verifying key data points on this powerful demographic:
• There are currently 6,262 women-owned industrial businesses in the U.S.
• These companies employ 185,940 workers.
• 20% of women-owned industrial businesses are also minority-owned, compared to just 1% among manufacturers as a whole.
• A third of these companies are located in the Midwest, while 29% are located in the U.S. South. The remainder are divided between the Mountain/Pacific region and East Coast (19% each)
• Women-owned industrial companies are major exporters, with a third distributing their products internationally, exceeding the national average among all manufacturers by 5 percentage point.
• 16% of women-owned industrial businesses import raw materials.
• Women-owned industrial companies are overwhelmingly privately-owned, with just 31 companies (less than one percent) reporting public ownership.
• Women-owned industrial companies as a whole report an average square footage of 43,799.
• 12% of women-owned industrial businesses are ISO-certified.
Looking at women-owned manufacturing businesses in the U.S., it's clear that these dynamic companies aren't just present across sectors—they're making a serious impact in key industries. Let's take a closer look at where women-owned manufacturers are making their mark.
When we look at the landscape of women-owned manufacturing businesses in the U.S., it's clear that these entrepreneurs are making significant strides across a diverse range of industries. To get a clearer picture of where their impact is most pronounced, let's dive into the data.
Based on data collected by MNI, directly from the nation’s women-owned manufacturing companies, women-owned manufacturers are particularly strong in the following broad industries, based on number of employees in each.
This sector leads the way, with women-owned businesses contributing substantially to the production of metal components and products. This industry accounts for 27,722 employees, representing 17.38% of the total workforce in women-owned manufacturing. Within this broad industry, women-owned manufacturers are particularly prominent in areas such as sheet metal work, the production of a variety of fabricated metal products, metal stampings, metal doors and frames, and the production of bolts, nuts, screws, and washers.
Coming in a close second, this industry sees women-owned businesses heavily involved in the machinery that powers various industrial processes. Women-owned manufacturers in this sector employ 22,192 individuals, which is 13.91% of the total. Key areas of strength include the manufacture of industrial machinery, special dies and fixtures, special industry machinery, service industry machinery, and internal combustion engines.
From food processing to beverage production, women-owned manufacturers are playing a key role in getting food and related products to our tables. This sector employs 17,952 people, making up 11.25% of the women-owned manufacturing workforce. Women-owned manufacturers are making their mark in frozen specialties, the production of soft drinks and carbonated waters, bakery products, food preparations, and meat packing.
This sector highlights the involvement of women-owned businesses in the production of essential plastic and rubber goods. Strong areas of focus include the production of a variety of plastic products, fabricated rubber products, plastic films and sheets, plastic foam products, and plastic profile shapes. Women-owned manufacturers here employ 12,124 individuals, or 7.60% of the total.
Women-owned manufacturers are also making significant contributions to the electronics and electrical equipment industry, which is crucial to our modern world. This sector accounts for 11,400 employees, representing 7.15% of the workforce. Women-owned businesses are particularly active in electronic components, wiring devices, printed circuit boards, switchgear and switchboard apparatus, and a range of electrical equipment and supplies.
In this sector, women-owned businesses are involved in the production of a wide array of chemical products and preparations. Leading areas of focus include perfumes, cosmetics, and toilet preparations, pharmaceutical preparations, cleaning and sanitation preparations, soaps and detergents, and various chemicals and chemical preparations. Women-owned businesses in this sector employ 10,305 individuals, which is 6.46% of the total workforce.
This detailed look reveals the depth and breadth of women's involvement in manufacturing. From essential metal components to the machinery that drives industry, from the food we consume to the products that enhance our lives, women-owned manufacturers are integral to the American economy.
Next, we’ll explore some of the largest women-owned industrial businesses in the United States, based on square footage.
| Company | City | State | Square Footage |
|---|---|---|---|
| TST, Inc. | Fontana | CA | 3,200,000 |
| W. L. Byrne, Inc. | Middleboro | MA | 3,100,000 |
| Sierra Pacific Industries | Eugene | OR | 3,000,000 |
| ARMA Container Corp. | Deer Park | NY | 2,900,000 |
| StructureCast | Bakersfield | CA | 2,400,000 |
| Complete Design & Packaging | Concord | NC | 2,300,000 |
| Melhart Industries | Edinburg | TX | 2,200,000 |
| Langley Hauling Services, Inc. | Rocky Mount | NC | 1,900,000 |
| Gainey's Concrete Products, LLC | Holden | LA | 1,800,000 |
| Quaker Window Products, Inc. | Freeburg | MO | 1,500,000 |
TST, Inc. (Fontana, CA - 3,200,000 sq ft)
TST, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of aluminum ingot, billet, and slab, serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, appliances, lighting, building products, and semiconductors. With five divisions across four locations, TST, Inc. is committed to sustainability and innovation.
W. L. Byrne, Inc. (Middleboro, MA - 3,100,000 sq ft)
W. L. Byrne, Inc., also known as Byrne Sand & Gravel, has been fulfilling sand, gravel, and concrete needs for nearly 75 years. They provide ready-mix concrete for foundations and double-washed stone for septic systems, ensuring high-quality products for various construction projects.
Sierra Pacific Industries (Eugene, OR - 3,000,000 sq ft)
Sierra Pacific Industries is a third-generation, family-owned forest products company dedicated to sustainable forest management. They operate state-of-the-art wood product and window manufacturing facilities, employing nearly 6,000 crew members across over 30 states.
ARMA Container Corp. (Deer Park, NY - 2,900,000 sq ft)
ARMA Container Corp. specializes in packaging and containers, providing high-quality corrugated boxes and other packaging solutions. Established in 1946, ARMA Container has grown to become a key player in the packaging industry.
StructureCast (Bakersfield, CA - 2,400,000 sq ft)
StructureCast designs, manufactures, delivers, and installs custom architectural and structural precast concrete products. With over 30 years of experience, they offer innovative precast solutions for modern office buildings, warehouses, and structural bridge beams.
Complete Design & Packaging (Concord, NC - 2,300,000 sq ft)
Complete Design & Packaging is an independently owned company specializing in custom, digitally printed corrugated packaging. They use advanced digital print technology to create high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions for various industries.
Melhart Industries (Edinburg, TX - 2,200,000 sq ft)
Melhart Industries, originally founded as a local music shop, has evolved into a major national distributor of instrument storage cabinets, band observation towers, and music furnishings. They are dedicated to providing innovative storage solutions for schools and music professionals.
Langley Hauling Services, Inc. (Rocky Mount, NC - 1,900,000 sq ft)
Langley Hauling Services, Inc. has been a woman-owned and operated topsoil, trucking delivery, and hauling company since 1991. They provide prompt and reliable services, including sand, gravel, topsoil, mulch, and decorative stones, across Eastern North Carolina.
Gainey's Concrete Products, LLC (Holden, LA - 1,800,000 sq ft)
Gainey's Concrete Products, LLC specializes in precast concrete solutions for sanitary and stormwater systems, industrial structures, wastewater treatment, and custom projects. They have been serving Louisiana and the Gulf Coast for over 29 years.
Quaker Window Products, Inc. (Freeburg, MO - 1,500,000 sq ft)
Quaker Window Products, Inc. is a family-owned company committed to manufacturing high-quality windows and doors since 1949. They offer innovative designs and superior craftsmanship for both residential and commercial projects.
Looking to reach key contacts across women-owned industrial businesses in the United States? You can access detailed profiles, including key executive contact info, of the nation’s 6,200 women-owned manufacturing businesses with the Women Owned Manufacturing Business Database. Looking for a different state, industry, executive market or niche market? Explore our 200+ database options.
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