The industrial sector is the foundation of a robust economy, with companies providing machinery and engineering solutions critical to the scaling of heavy productions. In the US, industrial companies are key players in the economy, enabling the competitive expansion of other key sectors.
American industrial companies are operating across a number of activities that support multiple other activities including transport, energy, defense, and even agriculture. With the largest industrial players involved in the production of civil and military sea, air, rail, road and space transport, heavy machinery, farm and construction vehicles and equipment, and logistics, these companies are the skeleton upon which the US economy stands.
Though the number of actual industries and businesses in which the top industrial companies evolve is rather narrow nominally, the need for their specialty in advanced engineering and mechanics, together with related technologies makes industrial companies reach almost all the other economic sectors.
Besides, many of them are also critical to the development of infrastructure and defensive capabilities for the US government, and that of multiple other countries around the world. Many of the top industrial companies are critical aerospace and defense contractors for the US military and engaged in a very close relationship with the political system.
Close to the US government, the industrial sector is also a key barometer to the country’s economic activity. From the demand for industrial machinery to heavy transports like ships, rail, and planes, from heavy farming vehicles and construction machinery and equipment, the dynamism of industrial companies demonstrates the strength of the real American economy.
Check our data platform for the latest ranking of US industrial companies.
For more information on the largest American companies, download our S&P 500 companies Excel file containing the complete list of the 500 largest publicly listed companies in the US, together with extensive business, market, financial, and digital information on each company. For even more data on the largest US companies, download our Excel files on the Russell 1000 companies, Russell 2000 companies, or Russell 3000 companies.
List of the top 30 largest American industrial companies by market capitalization
For a broader perspective on what companies are in the industrial field in the US, details about the thirty largest public companies involved in the heavy industry of America have been listed hereafter. Each company is detailed with presentations of its industry, activities, market capitalization, a direct link to its website, logo, and stock symbol.
The industrial companies listed hereafter are ranked by market capitalization in United States Dollars, as of effective close on Friday, January 29, 2021.
For more information on other world-leading companies, check our series of posts on Top Companies, and for more information on the country, read our articles on Top Business Resources for the US.
Note that if you are searching for information on these companies to invest in their stocks, make sure you know what you are doing as your investment will be subject to significant risks with the evolution of stock prices. To learn more about investing in the stock market and managing your portfolio, check our post on the best online courses on stock investing and trading.
Shortcuts to each industrial company
To facilitate your browsing in this long list, here are quick links to go directly to the details of any of the top 30 American industrial companies. Be sure to also check the Top 10 US industrial companies’ summary after the list!
30. Otis
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Otis Worldwide Corporation is a manufacturer of elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and related equipment. Founded in 1853, Otis was the first producer of safety elevators, which allowed to lock the elevator in place in case of mechanical failure. Since then the company has expanded around the world and to other mechanical moving structures such as escalators, and moving walkways.
Website: otis.com – Market Cap.: $28 Billion – Stock ticker: OTIS
29. Republic Services
Industry: Waste Management
Republic Services, Inc. is a company dedicated to solid waste management and energy services. It operates in the collection, transfer, disposal, recycling of non-hazardous solid waste, with more than 340 collection systems, 200 transfer stations, 190 landfills, 90 recycling centers, 7 treatment facilities, 11 saltwater disposal wells, and 60 landfill gas and renewable energy projects across the US and Puerto Rico.
Website: republicservices.com – Market Cap.: $28.9 Billion – Stock ticker: RSG
28. Rockwell Automation
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Rockwell Automation, Inc. is a company operating in industrial automation and information. Tracing its origins to 1903, it enables industrial companies to integrate control and information across their business processes to deliver smarter manufacturing solutions, through a range of control systems products, architecture and software services, and technologies.
Website: rockwellautomation.com – Market Cap.: $28.9 Billion – Stock ticker: ROK
27. Plug Power
Industry: Electrical Equipment & Parts
Plug Power Inc. is a company engaged in clean hydrogen and zero-emission fuel cell solutions. It develops hydrogen fuel cells that can replace conventional batteries in diverse equipment and electric vehicle, recharging much faster and delivering much more constant power than conventional batteries, as well as equipment to use and produce hydrogen.
Website: plugpower.com – Market Cap.: $29.6 Billion – Stock ticker: PLUG
26. TransDigm Group
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
TransDigm Group Incorporated is an aerospace company. It manufactures engineered aircraft components through a number of subsidiaries, including pumps, valves, and ignition systems, airframe latching and locking devices, cockpit security components, and audio systems. Besides, TransDigm also produces non-aviation products including restraints, space systems, and parts for heavy industrial equipment.
Website: transdigm.com – Market Cap.: $30.1 Billion – Stock ticker: TDG
25. Paccar
Industry: Farm & Heavy Construction Machinery
Paccar Inc is a manufacturer of light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Tracing its origins to 1905, Paccar is now one of the largest producers of trucks in the world, which also designs, manufactures, and distributes diesel engines and truck parts, and provides related financial services, and information technology.
Website: paccar.com – Market Cap.: $31.6 Billion – Stock ticker: PCAR
24. Carrier
Industry: Building Products & Equipment
Carrier Global Corporation is a home appliances manufacturer. Founded in 1915, it was the first manufacturer and distributor of modern air conditioning machines. Since then it has expanded to produce and market a range of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as commercial refrigeration, foodservice equipment, and fire and security technologies.
Website: corporate.carrier.com – Market Cap.: $33.4 Billion – Stock ticker: CARR
23. Cintas
Industry: Specialty Business Services
Cintas Corporation manufactures and distributes uniforms for sale and rent, as well as a wide range of products for cleaning, safety, and protection. With origins dating back to 1929, Cintas has diversified to produce and market uniforms for businesses, flame-resistance or cleanroom operation, as well as a number of products and services including mats, mops, cleaning and restroom supplies, first aid and safety products, fire extinguishers and testing, and safety courses.
Website: cintas.com – Market Cap.: $33.4 Billion – Stock ticker: CTAS
22. Parker
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Parker-Hannifin Corporation, more simply known as Parker, is a company specializing in motion and control technologies. Tracing its origins to 1917, it provides a number of products and technologies for motion control for aerospace, climate control, electromechanical, filtration, fluid and gas handling, hydraulics, pneumatics, process control, and sealing and shielding.
Website: parker.com – Market Cap.: $34.1 Billion – Stock ticker: PH
21. Cummins
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Cummins is a company engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of engines, filtration, and power generation products. Founded in 1919, it now produces a wide range of engines for heavy agriculture and construction machines, ships, rail, drilling, trucks as well as generators, power and filtration systems, and diverse components together with associated services.
Website: cumminseurope.com – Market Cap.: $34.7 Billion – Stock ticker: CMI
20. L3Harris
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
L3Harris Technologies is an aerospace and defense company. A defense contractor, L3Harris provides air, sea, land, space, and cyber equipment and technologies including surveillance and command control systems and technology solutions, wireless equipment, tactical radios, avionics and electronic systems, night vision equipment, and terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for defense and civil use.
Website: l3harris.com – Market Cap.: $36 Billion – Stock ticker: LHX
19. Roper
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Roper Technologies, Inc. is a diversified industrial and technology company that provides engineered products and solutions for a variety of niche end markets. Through a number of subsidiary companies, Roper manufactures and markets computers, scientific and industrial imaging equipment and software, pumps and specialized machinery for heavy industries, together with a wide range of specialized machines, software, and technologies.
Website: ropertech.com – Market Cap.: $41.2 Billion – Stock ticker: ROP
18. General Dynamics
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
General Dynamics Corporation is an aerospace and defense company. One of the largest defense contractors in the US and the world, General Dynamics provides a number of military and civil aerospace and marine equipment, combat systems, and technologies, including ships, aircraft, submarines, tanks, and systems for communications, weapons, intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Website: gd.com – Market Cap.: $42.1 Billion – Stock ticker: GD
17. Waste Management
Industry: Waste Management
Waste Management, Inc. is a company dedicated to waste management, comprehensive waste, and environmental services. It operates more than 340 transfer stations, 290 landfill disposals, 140 recycling plants, 110 landfill gas projects, and 6 power production plants, across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Website: wm.com – Market Cap.: $47 Billion – Stock ticker: WM
16. Emerson
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Emerson Electric Co. is a diversified manufacturer of products and software dedicated to the industrial, commercial, and residential industries and a provider of engineering services. Its automated solutions division helps heavy industries improve their processes, and through its commercial and residential solutions, Emerson Electric enhances comfort and utilities for housing and business.
Website: emerson.com – Market Cap.: $47.6 Billion – Stock ticker: EMR
15. Northrop Grumman
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a multinational aerospace and defense technology company. It manufactures and markets a range of weapons and military technologies including aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles, defense systems, chain guns, and munitions. Northrop Grumman also develops and manufactures satellites and space information technology.
Website: northropgrumman.com – Market Cap.: $47.8 Billion – Stock ticker: NOC
14. Norfolk Southern
Industry: Railroads
Norfolk Southern Corporation is a transportation company. Through its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary, it is engaged in freight-hauling across 22 states and the District of Columbia on more than 19,000 route miles. Norfolk Southern is also involved in real estate, acquiring, managing and developing, leasing, and selling land for agricultural, industrial and infrastructure uses.
Website: norfolksouthern.com – Market Cap.: $60.1 Billion – Stock ticker: NSC
13. ITW
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Illinois Tool Works Inc., more simply known as ITW, is a diversified company producing automotive equipment, construction products, food equipment, polymers and fluids, specialty products, test and measurement electronics, and welding equipment. Founded in 1912, ITW has grown to operate in more than 50 countries around the world.
Website: itw.com – Market Cap.: $61.5 Billion – Stock ticker: ITW
12. FedEx
Industry: Integrated Freight & Logistics
FedEx Corporation is a multinational delivery services company. A contraction of the former “Federal Express” brand name, FedEx provides overnight courier service, ground and air freight, logistics services, office services, and various other associated services in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean region.
Website: fedex.com – Market Cap.: $62.4 Billion – Stock ticker: FDX
11. CSX
Industry: Railroads
CSX Corporation is a rail transportation company. With a rail network regrouping more than 21,000 route miles of track across the United States and Canada, CSX provides access to major population centers of the Eastern United States, Ontario, and Quebec. Through rail transportation, CSX eases the movement of a wide range of products while also minimizing effects on the environment, and fuel consumption, and transportation costs.
Website: csx.com – Market Cap.: $65.6 Billion – Stock ticker: CSX
10. Lockheed Martin
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a company involved in aerospace, defense, information security, and technology. One of the leading defense contractors in the US and the world, it designs, builds, and markets a number of military airplanes, missiles, engines, and systems for ships and planes, space systems, as well as security services and associated technologies.
Website: lockheedmartin.com – Market Cap.: $90 Billion – Stock ticker: LMT
9. Deere & Company
Industry: Farm & Heavy Construction Machinery
Deere & Company, operating under the brand John Deere, is a manufacturer of heavy machinery and engines. Founded in 1837, it produces and markets tractors and other agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains as well as loan care equipment, and it also provides financial services and other related activities.
Website: deere.com – Market Cap.: $90.8 Billion – Stock ticker: DE
8. General Electric
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
General Electric Company, more simply known as GE, is a multinational company primarily involved in engineering and machinery. Tracing its origins to 1889 with the foundation of the Edison Lamp Company by Thomas Edison, GE has grown and acquired engineering companies in a number of industries, including aviation, power generation, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and expanded into finance and asset management.
Website: ge.com – Market Cap.: $93.6 Billion – Stock ticker: GE
7. Caterpillar
Industry: Farm & Heavy Construction Machinery
Caterpillar Inc. is a world-leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. It operates through its main Cat, Cat Financial, Cat Reman, and Cat rental store brands as well as multiple other specialized brands.
Website: caterpillar.com – Market Cap.: $99.3 Billion – Stock ticker: CAT
6. Raytheon Technologies
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Raytheon Technologies Corporation is a multinational conglomerate primarily involved in the aerospace and defense industry. It is engaged in the research, development, and manufacturing of aircraft engines, avionics, aerostructures, cybersecurity, missiles, air defense systems, and drones, and provides associated engineering solutions for both commercial applications and defense.
Website: rtx.com – Market Cap.: $101.3 Billion – Stock ticker: RTX
5. 3M
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
3M Company is a diversified industrial and technology company operating through a wide range of sectors: automotive, commercial solutions, communications, consumer, design and construction, electronics, energy, health care, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, safety, transportation.
Website: 3m.com – Market Cap.: $101.5 Billion – Stock ticker: MMM
4. Boeing
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
The Boeing Company is one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors and it is the largest exporter in dollar value of the United States. Founded in 1916, Boeing is involved in the design, manufacturing, and worldwide sales of airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles; it also provides leasing and product support services.
Website: boeing.com – Market Cap.: $109.6 Billion – Stock ticker: BA
3. Union Pacific
Industry: Railroads
Union Pacific Corporation, operating as Union Pacific Railroad, more simply known as Union Pacific, is a freight-hauling and passenger railroad transportation company. Founded in 1862, it absorbed a number of other companies to now operate 8,300 locomotives and more than 32,000 route miles of railroads across 23 states in the Western US.
Website: up.com – Market Cap.: $133.1 Billion – Stock ticker: UNP
2. UPS
Industry: Integrated Freight & Logistics
United Parcel Service, better known as UPS, is a multinational package delivery and supply chain management company. Tracing its origins to 1907, UPS has expanded to deliver packages in the entire US and internationally, together with supply chain and air freight services with UPS Airlines, trucks with UPS Freight, and drones with UPS Flight Forward.
Website: ups.com – Market Cap.: $134 Billion – Stock ticker: UPS
1. Honeywell
Industry: Specialty Industrial Machinery
Honeywell is a multinational industrial conglomerate. Tracing its origins to 1906, Honeywell has evolved from a heating company to a diversified global industrial company through a number of acquisitions. It now operates in four key business areas: aerospace, building technologies, performance materials and technologies, and safety and productivity solutions.
Website: honeywell.com – Market Cap.: $137.1 Billion – Stock ticker: HON
Summary: Top 10 US Industrial Companies 2021
To give you a quick overview of the largest American industrial companies in 2021, here is a synthesizing image regrouping the information of the top 10. Note that you can use this image to embed it on your website and other digital properties using the embed code below.
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Here are the 30 largest American industrial companies. Do you think they are worth their market capitalization? Do they provide a valuable and convenient service? Do they have too much economic power… and maybe political power too?
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