Top U.S. Metal Finishing Suppliers

Metal finishing plays a critical role in modern manufacturing—enhancing durability, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and cosmetic appearance across countless industries. From aerospace components and automotive parts to medical devices and heavy machinery, metal finishing processes are essential to product performance and lifecycle.

This week, we’re taking a closer look at the current trends shaping the U.S. metal finishing industry, including the industry’s largest and most influential companies.

Key Facts on the U.S. Structural Steel Fabrication Industry

MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustryNet, surveyed the nation’s 644+ providers of structural steel fabrication, directly collecting key data points on this essential industry.

• There are currently 644 metal finishing suppliers in the U.S.
• 16,286 workers are employed in the sector nationwide.
• Average reported sales for America’s providers of metal finishing stands at $2.4 billion
• 2% U.S. metal finishing companies are women-owned and another 1% report minority ownership.
• 12% of U.S. metal finishing suppliers distribute their products internationally, while 5% import raw materials.
• The greater Midwest accounts for the most metal finishing companies with 37%, followed by the Pacific/Mountain region with 24%. The East Coast accounts for 20% and the rest are situated in the U.S. South with 19% of the total.

What Is Metal Finishing?

Metal finishing refers to a range of processes used to improve the surface properties of metal parts—enhancing their appearance, durability, corrosion resistance, conductivity, or cleanliness. Whether a component needs to shine on a showroom floor, withstand harsh industrial environments, or meet stringent aerospace specifications, finishing plays a critical role in the final performance and presentation of a product.

There’s no universal method—finishing techniques are chosen based on the metal type, intended application, desired properties, and budget. Here are some of the most common types of metal finishing used across U.S. manufacturing:

• Electroplating – A process where a thin layer of metal (like nickel, chrome, or zinc) is deposited onto a part using an electric current. This is widely used for corrosion protection, wear resistance, and aesthetics in industries such as automotive, electronics, and tooling.

• Anodizing – An electrochemical technique primarily used on aluminum to thicken its natural oxide layer. It enhances corrosion resistance and allows for vibrant coloring, making it popular in aerospace, architectural, and consumer applications.

• Powder Coating – A dry finishing method where powder is electrostatically applied and then heat-cured, forming a durable, colorful, and chip-resistant surface. Common in appliances, machinery, and outdoor equipment.

• Passivation – A chemical process that removes surface contaminants—especially free iron—from stainless steel, creating a passive layer that improves corrosion resistance. This is essential in medical, food-grade, and marine environments.

• Polishing & Buffing – Mechanical processes that smooth and shine metal surfaces, often for aesthetic or sanitary purposes. Used frequently in medical devices, kitchenware, and luxury hardware.

• Electropolishing – The reverse of electroplating, this method removes surface material to produce an ultra-smooth, clean, and burr-free finish. It’s ideal for pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and food processing equipment.

• Black Oxide – A chemical conversion coating that gives steel parts a matte black appearance and mild corrosion resistance, typically used on tools, fasteners, and firearms.

Each of these methods helps manufacturers meet critical standards for function, safety, and appearance—making metal finishing a key stage in the production lifecycle. Today’s finishing operations are also adapting to emerging trends, including rising demand for high-performance coatings that offer corrosion resistance, antimicrobial properties, or thermal control—particularly in aerospace, medical, and electronics sectors. At the same time, regulatory pressures are driving a shift toward safer, more sustainable alternatives to traditional finishes like hexavalent chromium.

To stay competitive, many U.S. finishers are adopting automation, real-time quality controls, and advanced processes tailored for lightweight alloys such as aluminum and magnesium. There's also growing emphasis on flexibility, with many shops offering short-run and prototype-friendly services to support rapid product development cycles.

Top U.S. Metal Finishing Companies

The U.S. metal finishing industry is anchored by a diverse group of companies that combine technical expertise, industry certifications, and high-volume capacity to serve some of the most demanding sectors—namely aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. These top performers have earned reputations for quality, precision, and reliability across a range of finishing processes, from anodizing and plating to non-destructive testing and decorative coatings. Below are the largest metal finishing companies in the U.S. by number of employees, based on data collected by MNI.

Largest U.S. Metal Finishing Companies

• Hi-Tech Metal Finishing, Inc. (Denton, TX) – A leader in aerospace processing, Hi-Tech Metal Finishing provides anodizing, cadmium plating, chem film, dry film lubrication, and non-destructive testing services. The company operates from its Denton facility, serving aerospace and automotive manufacturers.

• Metal Finishing Co., Inc. (Wichita, KS) – Established in 1940, Metal Finishing Co. is one of the largest privately owned aerospace processing companies in North America. It offers surface finishing, plating, non-destructive testing, shot peening, and thermal spray services, catering to aerospace and defense industries.

• Brasstech, Inc. (Santa Ana, CA) – A subsidiary of Masco Corporation, Brasstech manufactures premium-quality plumbing products under brands like Newport Brass. The company specializes in plumbing trim, faucets, and tub accessories, maintaining a strong reputation for craftsmanship and quality.

• Magnetic Inspection Laboratory, Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL) – Founded in 1942, MIL provides metal finishing, coatings, non-destructive testing, and welding services for aerospace, medical, industrial, and power industries. The company is ISO 9001, AS9100, and NADCAP certified.

• SWD, Inc. (Addison, IL) – A recognized leader in metal finishing and fastener sorting, SWD Inc. offers black oxide, plating, dip spin coatings, and sorting services. The company has been in operation since 1980 and runs a large facility west of Chicago.

• 3P Processing LLC (Wichita, KS) – With over 30 years of experience, 3P Processing provides metal finishing, inspection, and coatings for aerospace and commercial manufacturers. The company operates a 130,000-square-foot facility and holds NADCAP accreditation for chemical processing and surface enhancement.

• Hytek Finishes Co. (Kent, WA) – One of the largest independent suppliers of aerospace metal finishing in North America, Hytek Finishes specializes in plating, anodizing, coatings, and non-destructive testing. The company serves aerospace, defense, and space industries from its Kent facility.

• LMI Aerospace, Inc. (Cuba, MO) – A leading supplier of structural assemblies, kits, and components for aerospace markets, LMI Aerospace provides design engineering and manufacturing services. The company has multiple locations across the U.S. and Mexico.

• Seidel, Inc. (Waterbury, CT) – A fully integrated manufacturer specializing in metal forming, anodizing, and decorative finishing for aluminum alloy parts. Seidel serves industries like cosmetics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, producing millions of parts annually.

• Almond Products, Inc. (Spring Lake, MI) – A finishing partner for industries including automotive, military, office furniture, and telecommunications. Almond Products offers coating processes, custom masking, and logistics solutions from its 175,000-square-foot facility.

IndustryNet’s Top Metal Finishing Suppliers

Across the U.S., a wide range of mid-sized and specialty metal finishing companies are making their mark by offering expert-level services, fast turnaround times, and tailored solutions for niche markets. From aerospace-grade anodizing and electropolishing to high-volume powder coating and abrasive finishing, these top suppliers listed on IndustryNet represent the backbone of American manufacturing support.

Whether you’re a manufacturer in need of precise passivation for medical devices or corrosion-resistant plating for automotive parts, these suppliers combine technical skill, quality certifications, and years of hands-on experience to meet diverse application needs. Here’s a closer look at some of the most trusted names in the IndustryNet metal finishing community.

• PM Testing Laboratory, Inc. (Fife, WA) – Specializing in aerospace and commercial finishes, PM Testing provides paint, grain finish, chemical processing, and non-destructive testing services. Established in 1979, the company serves industries worldwide with expertise in wet processing, primer and paint applications, and abrasive finishing.

• Budding Polishing & Metal Finishing (South Holland, IL) – A family-owned business with over 70 years of experience, Budding Polishing offers metal polishing and abrasive belt finishing services. The company has a strong focus on stainless steel finishing and serves customers nationwide from its South Holland facility.

• McCrary Metal Polishing, Inc. (Port Jefferson, OH) – Since 1967, McCrary Metal Polishing has provided metal finishing, grinding, buffing, brush finishing, and assembly services. The company works with various industries, including automotive and medical, offering vibratory deburring and machining solutions.

• Coating Technology, Inc. (Oldsmar, FL) – A key player in military and aerospace metal finishing, Coating Technology offers anodizing, chem film, passivation, and specialized painting services. The company has grown into a significant provider for major corporations like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

• CRW Finishing, Inc. (Addison, IL) – A dual-function company offering job shop services and sales of metal finishing equipment and supplies. CRW specializes in vibratory deburring, shot blasting, aqueous washing, and accelerated finishing, serving industries with ISO 9001:2015-certified processes.

• Denver Metal Finishing (Denver, CO) – One of the largest metal finishing facilities in Colorado, Denver Metal Finishing provides anodizing, zinc plating, and corrosion-resistant coatings for industries like aerospace, medical, and electronics. With over 60 years of experience, the company is known for high-quality standards.

• Paxos Plating, Inc. (Canton, OH) – A leader in zinc metal finishing, Paxos Plating offers rack and barrel plating processes with post-plating finishes such as clear, yellow, and black chromate coatings. The company serves the automotive industry and maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification.

• Professional Plating Inc. (Brillion, WI) – Providing metal finishing services including zinc plating, electrocoating, and powder coating, Professional Plating is ISO 9001:2015 certified. The company serves industries across Wisconsin and beyond with high-quality finishing solutions.

• Rayco Metal Finishing, Inc. (Middletown, CT) – Serving the industry since 1950, Rayco specializes in electropolishing, passivation, anodizing, and chemical conversion coatings. The company is known for its expertise in processing medical instruments and military-grade finishes.

• American Plating Partners, LLC (Springdale, AR) – Specializing in anodizing and electropolishing, American Plating Partners provides high-quality metal finishing services. The company has been in operation since 2007 and serves a range of industries.

Above: Inside Gundy Powder Coating's facility in Bay Shore, New York (Image Source: Gundy Powder Coating)

• Gundy Powder Coating (Bay Shore, NY) – Offering commercial, industrial, and residential powder coating services, Gundy Powder Coating operates a large facility with conveyorized systems for fast turnaround. The company provides durable metal refinishing solutions.

See all 644+ metal finishing suppliers on IndustryNet.

Sourcing Guide: How to Select the Right Metal Finishing Partner

Choosing the right metal finishing partner is critical to ensuring your parts meet performance, quality, and compliance standards. Whether you're coating high-precision aerospace components or adding corrosion resistance to industrial parts, the finishing process can make—or break—the final product. This guide outlines key factors to consider when evaluating suppliers, helping you align capabilities with your specific application, timeline, and regulatory needs.

1. Match the Finish to the Function

Start with the end goal: Is the part exposed to moisture, chemicals, or abrasion? Does it need electrical conductivity or a cosmetic appearance? Work with suppliers who specialize in the exact finish and substrate material you require.

2. Evaluate Industry Experience & Compliance

Choose finishing companies with a track record in your sector—especially if you're in aerospace, defense, or medical manufacturing, where certifications like ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP, or ITAR are non-negotiable.

3. Check Equipment & Capacity

Inquire about tank sizes, line speed, part size limitations, and automated vs. manual capabilities. For large parts or high-volume runs, capacity and consistency are key differentiators.

4. Ask About Environmental Controls

Make sure your finishing partner complies with EPA, OSHA, and local regulations, especially for hazardous waste disposal and emissions. Forward-looking suppliers should be investing in closed-loop systems or green chemistry solutions.

5. Inspect Quality Assurance Systems

Look for partners with rigorous quality control processes including plating thickness testing, salt spray tests, surface adhesion checks, and visual inspections. Ask to review their inspection protocols.

6. Review Turnaround Times & Logistics

Metal finishing is often one of the final steps before product delivery. Make sure the supplier can meet your timelines and offers packaging or transport services to avoid post-finish damage.

7. Request Samples or Trial Runs

For new projects or precision parts, consider sending test pieces to evaluate finish quality, adhesion, appearance, and process repeatability before committing to full production.

8. Build a Long-Term Relationship

The best finishing providers become strategic partners—offering design feedback, finish compatibility consultations, and process optimization as your needs evolve.

The Easiest Way to Quote Metal Finishing Suppliers

IndustryNet can help you narrow down your search for these or any other type of local industrial supplier. Perform searches by company type, distribution, geography, specialty, and even ISO standards. Search, sort, and quote for free on America’s most-trusted industrial marketplace.

About This Data

MNI collects detailed information firsthand, making direct contact with each industrial company in the U.S to verify multiple data points about their business. While this data is used to power a variety of industrial solutions, it also yields key insights and statistics as a natural outcome of our hand-verified collection process.

This data forms the informational engine behind IndustrySelect, which offers real-time access to detailed company and executive profiles for sales, marketing, recruiting, and research. MNI data also powers IndustryNet, an industrial sourcing platform that connects buyers with industrial suppliers across thousands of product categories. Both platforms are designed to help professionals find accurate, up-to-date information for sales and business development, prospecting, and procurement.