Manufacturing companies are the backbone of our economy. They provide products and services that we use every day to keep us moving forward, but what manufacturing company is the largest? What manufacturing company is the second-largest? The answer may surprise you; it’s not always who you think it will be!
But before we get into that, let’s go over some statistics about these large manufacturers. Manufacturing accounts for roughly 12% of GDP in America. It employs a whopping 40 million people worldwide and generates nearly half of all U.S exports. In other words, this industry is big business!
So without further ado, here are the top five biggest manufacturing companies in 2021:
1# Volkswagen Group, Germany
Volkswagen Group is a German automaker that builds and distributes vehicles, engines, vans, and buses. The company’s core brands include Volkswagen (VW), Audi, SEAT, Škoda, and Porsche. Founded in 1937 by the Nazi Party in Germany as an automotive company to standardize vehicle production for military purposes during World War II.
In 2015 VW was caught rigging their diesel emissions test results with software called “defeat device”, which allowed them to circumvent United States’ environmental regulations on air pollution limits. This scandal has led to billions of dollars worth of fines from governments around the world including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who fined VW $2 Billion USD for violations of the Clean Air Act.
2# Toyota Group, Japan
The Toyota Group, headquartered in Japan, is the world’s largest car manufacturer. The company was established in 1937 and has grown exponentially since then. It now produces vehicles of many types including trucks, buses, electric cars, and hybrid cars. The Toyota group also manufactures engines and other parts for its automobiles. In 2008 it sold over 8 million vehicles worldwide under 12 different brands, making it one of the most successful companies ever to exist.
3# Apple, United States
Apple, a company that has always been at the forefront of technology and innovation, is now looking to be one of the leaders in manufacturing. They have partnered with United States companies such as Corning Incorporated to develop an innovative new glass for their devices. This partnership allows Apple to produce more durable iPhones while giving more jobs back to Americans.
Apple’s commitment to American workers is admirable and will help them boost their already iconic status within the country.
4# Samsung Electronics, South Korea
Samsung Electronics is a multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. They are one of the top leaders in consumer electronics with their most popular products being TVs and smartphones. They have been working hard to make sure their international customers receive quality service and products while also making strides for sustainability efforts around the world. Samsung has had many recent accomplishments over the last few years including launching new flagship phones like Galaxy S9+ as well as continuing to offer a range of features that differentiates them from other manufacturers such as wireless charging support on all devices or Bixby voice assistant exclusive to Samsung products.
5# Daimler, Germany
Daimler, Germany’s largest car manufacturer and an international leader in automotive engineering, is one company that has been investing heavily in the future of electric vehicles. In September 2016 they unveiled their new generation EQC electric vehicle which will be available to order in 2019.
They have also been working with Chinese companies to develop a battery-powered commercial truck for Europe as well as a passenger bus. Daimler has a goal to produce at least 300,000 electric cars per year by 2022 and invested €4 billion ($5 billion) in battery technology last year alone. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular since Tesla showed how quickly they could disrupt the auto industry but there are still some hurdles such as charging infrastructure before these types of cars can become mainstream.