Top 10: Manufacturing Accomplishments of 2024

Over the year at Manufacturing Digital, we’ve covered the highs and the lows of a global manufacturing sector in flux. 

In 2024 this industry was defined by rapid change, problem solving and inspiring ingenuity. Accomplishment was everywhere, from the chemicals industry to textile manufacturing to the aerospace sector. 

This list won’t naturally cover all the achievements manufacturers have made – it would go on forever and ever – rather it’ll focus on achievements that we’ve covered, which stick in our minds for their wider implications and impact for the sector. 

So with that said, it’s time to look back, reflect and celebrate those manufacturers who achieved big.

10. BMW Retains Title As Top fleet Manufacturer

• Revenue: US$116bn
• Employees: 149,400+
• CEO: Oliver Zipse
• Founded: 1916

BMW has retained its title as the top fleet manufacturer, highlighting its impressive quality and effective innovation in an increasingly crowded automotive market. BMW Also won again at the ‘What Car?’ awards 2024. 

The manufacturer has continued to pursue sustainability, developing its all-electric fleet whilst embracing industry 4.0 technologies like AI and automation to enhance product quality.

“No matter if on two wheels or on four wheels – we always offer the best of everything,” says CEO Oliver Zipse.

9. Ferrari manufactures the first fully electric sports car 

• Revenue: US$6.21bn
• Employees: 5,000+ 
• CEO: Benedetto Vigna
• Founded: 1939

Making our list is another big EV accomplishment, with Ferrari manufacturing its first EV sports car. 

This marks the brands formal entry into the EV market, and will help grow electric sports car manufacturing. To maintain high-performance, Ferrari embraced precise engineering, advanced battery technology, aerodynamics and lightwear materials.

“The first electric Ferrari will be rooted in our racing heritage and will draw from a broader technical reservoir while preserving all its authenticity and consistency.” Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna says.

8. Virgin Galactic finishes Delta facility

• Revenue: US$4.7m
• Employees: 800+ 
• CEO: Michael Colglazier
• Founded: 2004

Virgin Galactic continued building the future of spacecraft this year, with the official opening of its Delta-class production facility

A major milestone for the future of aerospace manufacturing, the facility will enable more efficient and technologically agile manufacturing, meeting growing demand for space tourism. 

In time, space will become accessible to both manufacturers and the public. 

“Our purpose at Virgin Galactic is to create life-changing transformational journeys by enabling people to experience the wonder of space.” says CEO michael Colglazier.

7. Tesla Takes Innovation Risks & Raises Gigafactory numbers

• Revenue: US$100.9bn 
• Employees: 127,855 
• CEO: Elon Musk
• Founded: 2003

Tesla unveiled a lot of exciting innovations this year, like a new carbon-wrapped motor, the autonomous robotaxi, the humanoid robot Optimus and its new Tesla Model 3. 

Regardless of the outcome, the company is taking risks that will drive innovation across the automotive sector. As CEO Elon Musk says: "The autonomous future is here."

Tesla also increased its Gigafactory numbers, with a new facility in Shanghai, China and a proposed logistics expansion of Giga Berlin.

6. GE Vernova HVDC expansion

• Revenue: US$60bn for whole company
• Employees: 70,000+ 
• CEO: Scott Strazik
• Founded: 2024 (spun off from General Electric)

GE Vernova has expanded its High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) manufacturing, expanding its transformer facility in Stafford, UK. 

Strengthening the electric grid to handle the integration of more renewables like solar and wind is vital to globally transition to renewables.

“Together with our customers, GE Vernova will help expand reliable and affordable access to electricity as the demand for it grows, all while rapidly decarbonising and strengthening the resilience of the power sector,” CEO Scott Strazik says on Linkedin.

5. BASF Pioneers Chemical Recycling 

• Revenue: US$94.07bn
• Employees: 111,000+ 
• CEO: Martin Brudermüller
• Founded: 1865

BASF has made major strides in increasing the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. 

This year was the 25th anniversary of the company’s ultra sim, a computer-aided engineering tool that can test virtual plastics before final applications. 

In BASF’s Performance Materials Division, ChemCycling® a groundbreaking method to address the challenge of plastic recyclability has been pioneered.

“In order to have a sustainable future for the plastics industry we really have to work together.” Chair & CEO of BASF Michael Heinz said at NPE2024.

4. Amazon Transforms Training & Automation

• Revenue: US$538bn
• Employees: 1.54 million 
• CEO: Andy Jassy
• Founded: 1994

Amazon this year has unveiled a host of solutions for manufacturers, from VR training to cloud solutions to automation software.

Pioneering these in its own operations, Amazon has provided promising means to modernise manufacturing and the broader supply chain.

“There has never been a time in Amazon’s history where we’ve felt there is so much opportunity to make our customers’ lives better and easier.” Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said in a statement.

3. Siemens Creates The Future of Rail

• Revenue: US$78.48bn
• Employees: 311,000+ 
• CEO: Roland Busch
• Founded: 1847

Siemens Mobility has invested in the future of rail, creating high-speed rail in the US, boosting rail manufacturing in the UK via its Goole village and digitising railways across europe. 

Transportation shapes every facet of our world. By building advanced rail systems, Siemens is enhancing sustainable infrastructure, boosting national manufacturing economies and strengthening the global supply chain. 

“Over the last three and a half years, Siemens has achieved remarkable success as a leading technology company,” says Siemens CEO Roland Busch.

2. ABB’s Sustainable Motor Innovations 

• Revenue: US$30.4bn 
• Employees: 105,000+ 
• CEO: Björn Rosengren
• Founded: 1988 (merger)

ABB made history this year with the world’s first medium-voltage industrial motor, the MV Titanium. 

It enables energy savings of up to 40% and offers complete speed control and connectivity in a singular unit. The motor powers industry, and making it this sustainable is a huge accomplishment.

As ABB CEO Morten Weirod said in an episode of ABB’s podcast ‘ABB Decoded’: 

“We don't need to wait another five or 10 or 15 years to achieve energy efficiency and better reliability.”

1. Intel’s Spearheading of Semiconductor Technology

• Revenue: US$52.6 bn
• Employees: 131,900+
• CEO: Pat Gelsinger
• Founded: 1968

Intel’s US$20bn expansion in chip manufacturing is a colossal achievement, not just because it navigates financial hardship, but for the future of technology, electronics and manufacturing. 

Why? Because we’re still recovering from the global shortage of semiconductor chips during COVID-19. Without chips, there is no industry 4.0 enabled manufacturing. 

Intel was awarded up to US$3bn in direct funding earlier this year under the CHIPS and Science Act. The only American company to both design and manufacture leading-edge logic chips, Intel has expanded its manufacturing and research sites in New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon and Arizona and worked to secure the nation’s domestic chip supply chain. 

“All eyes will remain on us,” Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger said in a note to his team. 
“We must maintain our focus on innovation while also becoming an engine of operational efficiency and financial performance that’s built to win in the market.”

To read the article in the magazine click HERE

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