These are the 10 fastest-growing women-owned manufacturers in the U.S. right now

Traditionally, manufacturing has been perceived as a male-centric profession.

This is slowly changing as more women enter the manufacturing industry and take an active role in management and ownership.

Look back at some famous women in manufacturing throughout history before exploring current trends and take a look at the fastest-growing women-owned manufacturers in the U.S. today.

Historic women in manufacturing

Although manufacturing has been traditionally associated with men, some notable women have played key roles in the industry. Rosie the Riveter is the perfect example.

This iconic poster arrived in 1942 as a way to encourage women to work in manufacturing when men went off to war. Interestingly enough, the inspiration behind the poster, Mary Doyle Keefe, had not been aware that she was the basis for Rosie the Riveter for around four decades.

Going back in time before Rosie the Riveter, Madam C.J. Walker, whose real name was Sara Breedlove, started her own manufacturing company in 1908. She was among the first females in America who was a self-made millionaire.

Madam C.J. Walker inspired many women to get involved in manufacturing and become business owners. Almost six decades later, Stephanie Kwolek created Kevlar, an invention that has made a global impact.

Current state of women-owned manufacturing

Today, there are 8,237 women-owned manufacturing companies in the United States, according to data collected by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustryNet. This compares to 8,137 companies reported to MNI last year, representing an increase of 1.23%.

Of these women-owned manufacturing firms, 578 posted increases in employment while 437 reported a decrease in employment. Three hundred nine (309) posted a sales growth while 91 recorded a sales decline.

Eight thousand and forty-six (8,046) are private, and just 22 are public. In terms of distribution of women-owned manufacturing companies, the Midwest and South each have 31% of the companies, with the Northeast being home to 20% and the West housing 19%.

The fastest-growing women-owned companies in manufacturing

With a better idea of the women-owned companies in manufacturing as a whole, explore the fastest-growing firms within this category based on reported growth in sales and employment.

1. Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, NV: 500 Employees

This company specializes in advanced electronics used in automatic landing systems, air traffic control, navigation, guidance, telemedicine, aviation, infrastructure protection, space systems, threat detection, security and scientific research.

2. API Industries Inc. in Orangeburg, NY: 400 Employees

This company manufactures plastic bags as well as plastic liners, with brands such as Commander, Superlene, Prolene, Harmonyx, COEX and Ultrasac.

3. Power & Tel in Memphis, TN: 390 Employees

This company distributes custom cable and wire assemblies. It also installs hardware and tests a range of supplies and equipment, such as outside telephones, fiber optics, broadband, voice, video, sound, fire alarms, secure alarms, data and IMSA cables.

4. Packaging Specialties Inc. in Fayetteville, AR: 370 Employees

This company focuses on flexographic printing as well as manufacturing printed PVC, PE, PET and BOPP packaging films. It also laminates PE, PET and BOPP, and provides VFFS equipment, both for food and other industries.

5. Thatcher Company Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT: 300 Employees

This company has the biggest chemical inventory within the state of Utah. It includes brands such as Tpharm, Proline and T-Chem.

6. Felling Trailers Inc. in Sauk Centre, MN: 290 Employees

This company manufactures and distributes industrial trailers. These include everything from 3,000-pound utility trailers to 120,000-pound hydraulic trailers in the detachable gooseneck style.

7. Silver Spring Foods Inc. in Eau Claire, WI: 280 Employees

This company produces sauces, specialty mustards and horseradish with brands such as Silver Spring Foods, Kelchner's, Kelchner Food Products, Bookbinder's, Shore Points and Thor's.

8. Power Plant Services in Melrose Park, IL: 250 Employees

This company manufactures parts for steam turbines as well as related components within the power generation industry and other related industries.

9. Verla International in New Windsor, NY: 250 Employees

This company manufactures a range of organic cosmetics, including lipsticks, nail polishes, lip gloss, lotions, creams, hair care products and perfumes.

10. Delta Systems Inc. in Streetsboro, OH: 250 Employees

This company manufactures mechanical switches and electronic controls.

Quick View: Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Manufacturers in the U.S.

Conclusion

Women already play a key role in the manufacturing industry and this will likely increase as time passes. This International Women's Day is the perfect time to reflect on the women in the industry, what they have already achieved and what they can achieve in the future.