Top Ten Global Manufacturing Associations

Associations empower workers, bringing them together and giving them access to essential knowledge and support. From textile manufacturing to food production to automobile creation, every manufacturing area has its associations. These groups work hard to stay updated on the latest manufacturing developments, staying at the forefront of the industry so they can keep their members there too. Here’s our top ten - gone global. 

1. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)

NAM is one of the largest manufacturing associations in the world. Based in the United States, they represent manufacturers, both large and small, across every industrial sector and all 50 states.

Representing 14,000 member companies, NAM prides itself on advocating for manufacturers across the nation, providing effective resources and support. As a testament to their diversity, 90% of NAM’s members are small and medium-sized manufacturers, and 79% of Fortune 100 manufacturers are NAM members. 

Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1895, NAM has recognised since its inception that manufacturing is the economic engine of the states. One of the organisation’s earliest acts was to help launch the National Council of Commerce, which later became the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. During World War II, NAM assisted companies with wartime allocations and priorities, training veterans for careers in manufacturing and helping companies prepare for post-war challenges like recycling surplus materials. 

2. European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA)

The European Association of Automotive Suppliers, called CLEPA, represents over 3,000 companies, including BMW, Daimler Truck, Honda, Nissan and Renault. CLEPA invests billions in yearly development and research, supplying innovative technology and state-of-the-art components for sustainable, safe and smart mobility. 

CLEPA ensures the EU and UN create legislation that uplifts automotive manufacturers, complying fully with EU competition and antitrust rules. The association seeks to ensure the successful development of European automotive manufacturing and its relationship to international trade and global technical improvement. 

3. Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA)

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) is a non-profit industry association representing Japan’s fourteen manufacturers of motorcycles, buses, trucks and passenger cars. Established in 1967, its organisation today is because of a merger between the Japan Automobile Industry Employers Association (JAIEA), the Japan Motor Industrial Federation (JMIF) and JAMA in the spring of 2002. 

The automotive industry is critical to the Japanese economy, with roughly 8% of Japan’s working population involved directly or indirectly in auto industry-related work and auto production accounting for 18% of the total value of the nation's manufacturing shipments. 

JAMA supports the sound development of Japan’s automobile industry, contributing to advancing the nation's economic and social welfare. JAMA invests in sustainable mobility, as global concerns about climate change and ecological preservation grow. 

4. German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)

Founded in 1901, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) represents more than 650 companies involved in production for the nation’s automotive industry. These members are divided into three manufacturer groups: special bodies like buses and trailers, automobile manufacturers and suppliers. Each of these groups exists in a division assigned a managing director.

VDA has more than 100 employees in 16 departments, who actively pursue the interests of the German automotive industry. VDA ensures the right framework visions so automotive companies, from start-ups to global corporations can successfully bring their offers to market and find economic success. VDA is also the organiser of the IAA Mobility & IAA Transportation show, a leading auto show in Germany that’s successfully showcased the industry for 120 years. 

5. China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) 

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) is a non-profit social organisation that advocates for Chinese automobile and auto part manufacturers. The highest authority of CAAM is the Member’s Representative Assembly, which includes a board of directors and consists of more than 2000 members. 

Founded in Beijing in 1987, CAAM endeavours to advocate for and safeguard the interests of Chinese automobile manufacturing, ensuring governmental principles and policies meet industry needs.

The association seeks to provide policy research, vital information and support for its members. CAAM has more than 2,700 members in total and has for thirty years been endeavouring to create sustainable development in the industry. As vice president and permanent member of the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), CAAM has a close relationship with the international automobile industry, communicating with manufacturers across many countries and global regions. 

6. Japan Electrical Manufacturers Association (JEMA)

The Japan Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (JEMA) represents Japanese electrical manufacturers, including those who create home appliances and power and industrial electrical systems. In terms of products, this includes turbines for power generation, home electrical appliances and boilers. 

JEMA was established in 1948, during the post-war reconstruction of Japan.

The association has participated in and witnessed the nation's high economic growth and subsequent crash, leading to the period of economic decline in the 1990s termed the ‘Lost Decade’. JEMA works tirelessly to further the development of Japan’s electrical machinery industry, striving to contribute to sustainable living development and the social and economic betterment of Japanese society.

7. China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF)

The China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) is organised by the National Association of Machinery Industry and works to further the interests of Chinese industrial manufacturing. The association has over 270 companies as members, helping to coordinate conversations between them, vital institutions and the government. 

8. Manufacturers' Association of Israel (MAI)

The Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI) has advocated for Israeli industrials for more than 100 years, shaping the nation’s technological advancement and economic development during its early founding. The organisation supports manufacturers across diverse industries, from infrastructure to Kibbutzim (small towns centred around collective farms) to pharmaceuticals to food and textile production).

MAI’s members employ 400,000 workers and benefit from their involvement with the organisation through tailored resources and services, which address needs on the national level and day-to-day factory operations. As a small country, Israel’s manufacturing economy heavily relies on exports to shore up its economic growth. MAI has been pivotal in ensuring the success of this, with its more than 1800 members being responsible for over 90% of the total industrial output of the country. 

Manufacturing is critical to Israel’s complex and significant defence and security systems. Organisations like MAI work with governmental and manufacturing bodies to ensure these systems are maintained and undergo continuous improvement.

9. Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association (TEEMA) 

TEEMA, the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, represents the complete spectrum of electronics manufacturers in the country. With more than 3,000 registered members categorised into sixteen separate categories, TEEMA is one of the eight largest national industrial trade groups operating in Taiwan.  Created in 1948, the association is committed to fostering the relationship between manufacturers and the government, advocating for the diverse needs of manufacturers and supporting vital legislation.

Taiwan’s electronic industries account for about half of Taiwan’s overall manufacturing production value and export value.

Members of TEEMA are major contributors to the nation’s economy, creating air-conditioning, heavy electric machinery, electrical devices, automotive electronics and household appliances. The importance of electrical manufacturing to Taiwan’s military defence must also be considered, as geopolitical tensions with China continue to simmer.

CommonWealth, a leading Taiwanese Economic news media outlet, conducted its Top 2000 CEO survey in late 2023. They found that 60% of Taiwan’s CEOs feared war would break out between the two nations in the next five years. If conflict does escalate, electrical manufacturing sectors that contribute to the military must be robust, adaptable and prepared. 

10.Korea Association of Machinery Industry (KOAMI)

The Korean Association of Machinery Industry, known as KOAMI, represents industrial manufacturing organisations, supporting their economic development and creating dialogue between the industrial manufacturing industry and governmental bodies. 

KOAMI seeks to improve the technological development of industrial manufacturing, increase the digital skills and size of the manufacturing workforce, provide expert knowledge and resources and support in the distribution, advancement and promotion of the sector. 

The strength of manufacturing has an immense impact both nationally and globally, affecting politics, economies and livelihoods. That’s why its essential national manufacturing associations exist, to advocate for the industry and provide essential resources and support to ensure its future development. As manufacturing undergoes mass technological evolution and adapts to greater sustainability concerns, it’s paramount the needs of individual companies and the industry overall are met.