Top 10: Manufacturers in the EU
With recent geopolitical shifts and the growth of regulation focused on sustainability and accountability, the manufacturing landscape in the EU continues to be under a prominent spotlight.
Its leading manufacturers have adapted deftly to these changes, strengthening their market position while investing in Industry 4.0, the circular economy and pursuing myriad forms of expansion.
Today we celebrate these manufacturers who are pivotal to the success and growth of European economies and infrastructure.
10. ArcelorMittal
2024 Revenue: US$62.279bn
Employees: 168,000
CEO: Aditya Mittal
Founded: 2006, through the merger of Arcelor and Mittal Steel
Headquartered in Luxembourg, ArcelorMittal one of the world's largest steel manufacturers.
Operating across 60 countries, it has spearheaded the growth of green steel whilst producing a diversity of products critical for the automotive, construction and consumer goods industries.
A key contributor to the low-carbon economy, ArcelorMittal has a 15% market share in the production of steel for automotive.
With iron ore mining activities spanning South Africa to Bosnia, ArcelorMittal has been critical to the growth of EU public infrastructure and its strength in vehicle production.
9. Stellantis
2024 Revenue: US$172.6bn
Employees: 248,243
CEO: John Elkann is interim CEO
Founded: Formed in 2021, through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation headquartered in the Netherlands.
The company operates 14 iconic brands, including Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, Chrysler and Jeep.
Stellantis is renowned for producing a wide diversity of vehicles, from heavy-duty trucks to compact city cars.
It has been a key leader in the electrification of the EU's automotive sector, investing heavily in emerging battery technologies to drive broader sustainability.
8. TotalEnergies
2024 revenue: US$18.3bn
Employees: 102,579+
CEO: Patrick Pouyanné
Founded: 1924
Based in Paris, France, TotalEnergies is a global energy manufacturer with operations spanning oil and gas exploration, refining and renewable energies.
Founded in the early twenty first century, TotalEnergies is one of the world's largest energy producers - and one of the most critical in the EU.
Its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 have spurred a strong transition towards sustainable energy solutions like wind power and solar.
A move which has influenced other manufacturing leaders in this space in the EU and beyond to follow suit.
7. Airbus
2024 Revenue: US$75.5bn
Employees: 156,921
CEO: Guillaume Faury
Founded: 1970
Based in the Netherlands, Airbus is a global leader in aerospace and defence.
Known for its advanced and distinctive designs like the BelugaXL pictured above, the manufacturer has been at the forefront of aviation innovation since its founding in 1970.
Airbus designs and manufacturers commercial aircraft, helicopters and space systems.
A major objective for the company has been boosting aerospace sustainability, driving them to explore sustainable aviation fuels like hydrogen and develop more fuel-efficient aircraft designs.
With a goal to achieve zero-emission flights by 2035, Airbus has been critical to the decarbonisation of the aerospace sector and its advancement within the EU.
6. Bosch Group
2024 Revenue: US$100.76bn
Employees: 429,416
CEO: Dr. Stefan Hartung
Founded: 1886
Bosch, founded in 1886 in Germany, is a multinational engineering and technology company that operates across a diversity of sectors.
These include industrial technology, energy, consumer goods and mobility solutions.
Bosch is notable for its innovative products and focus on software, contributing to the growth of smart home appliances and greater automotive connectivity.
The company invests heavily in research and development, focusing specifically on AI and IoT to drive manufacturing growth.
This research and development contributes to products and services that improve people's quality of life and technological advancement across the EU.
5. BASF
2024 Revenue: US$71.1bn
Employees: 110,000
CEO: Martin Brudermüller
Founded: 1865
Another German headquartered manufacturer, BASF is the biggest chemical producer in the world.
Established all the way back in 1865, it operates in various sectors, including chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural solutions.
BASF's commitment to innovation and research has led to pivotal advancements in sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products.
The EU leader is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources and developing eco-efficient technologies.
4. Volkswagen Group
2024 Revenue: US$342.4bn
Employees: 670,000
CEO: Oliver Blume
Founded: 1937
Headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen Group is one of the most historic automotive manufacturers in the world - and the largest in Europe.
Best known for renowned brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Škoda, its extensive product range includes passenger cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.
The manufacturer has been a pioneer in EV development, aiming to become a global leader in sustainable mobility.
Despite challenges surrounding emissions reporting, the group has maintained a strong market presence through continuous innovation and strategic investments in new technologies.
3. BMW Group
2024 Revenue: US$160.8bn
Employees: 133,000
CEO: Oliver Zipse
Founded: 1916
BMW Group is a leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and motorcycles based in Germany.
Established in 1916, it is responsible for household names like BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce.
The company's product range includes luxury vehicles, sports cars and modern EVs.
BMW is committed to sustainability, with initiatives focusing on reducing emissions and promoting circular economy principles in manufacturing processes.
2. Nestlé
2024 Revenue: US$75.8bn
Employees: 270,000
CEO: Laurent Freixe
Founded:1866
Nestlé was founded in 1866 in Switzerland and today maintains its title as the world's largest food and beverage company.
Scanning supermarket shelves, its extremely likely you've seen something owned and produced by Nestlé, which is best known for brands like Nescafé, KitKat and Gerber.
This is because the manufacturer operates across a wide range of sectors, with products that target nutrition, health science and even pet care.
With a key focus on innovation and sustainability, Nestlé seeks to improve the nutritional profile of its products and reduce environmental impact through responsible sourcing and production practices.
1. Siemens
2024 Revenue: US$83.49bn
Employees: 312,000
CEO: Roland Busch
Founded: 1847
Last but not least is Siemens, the global technology powerhouse we discuss often here at Manufacturing Digital.
Driving electrification, automation and digitalisation across the EU and beyond, there is no doubt that Siemens is one of the most influential manufacturing leaders in the world today.
Founded in Germany in 1847, Siemens has been instrumental in advancing industrial automation, developing smart city solutions, building the future of connected rail and pioneering Industry 4.0 technologies and edge computing.
It's also been pivotal in advancing sustainability, striving to reach its ambition of carbon neutrality by 2030 through technological innovation and economic circularity.
Siemens continues to push manufacturing boundaries through its research, experimentation and support of future EU industry leaders- cementing its top spot on this list.
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