Top 10: Manufacturing Industries
Manufacturing has always been a vital part of society- from artisan carpenters and welders to the rise of mass production and automation. It's an incredibly diverse field, with a myriad of methods, challenges and focuses. With that said, lets celebrate this diversity, by looking at the individual sectors where manufacturing makes a major difference. Here's the Manufacturing Digital top ten, in no particular order.
10: Food Manufacturing Industry
Processing food is an ancient practice that can be traced back to as early as 1.5 million years ago. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, simple preservation methods including drying, smoking and salting were common practices.
Today, we have the luxury- and the responsibility- of mass production. The food manufacturing industry has made accessible, readily available food the norm, enabling the shipment of diverse ingredients, spices and methods across the globe.
The modern world is a busy one, and food production with heightened quality control and preservation methods is tailored to this reality. Leading manufacturers in this space include PepsiCo and Mondolez.
09: Automotive Manufacturing
The automobile was first invented in Germany and France during the late 1800s. Thought of by many at the time as a technological fad, today, cars and vehicles dominate modern life.
Automotive manufacturers like Ford, Toyota and Honda have advanced this technology, introducing innovative technologies and features to enhance sustainability. Over the last few years, we have seen the rise of Electric Vehicles in the automotive space.
According to research firm IBISWorld, electric vehicles in the US alone will be one of the fastest-growing US industrial manufacturing segments by revenue at 22%. Automotive manufacturers like General Motors are driving this development, as they pivot to boost their EV manufacturing capacity.
08: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Modern medicine has revolutionised society, increasing mortality rates, ending the devastation caused by deadly diseases and improving health outcomes.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, which creates vaccines in addition to other medical treatments and solutions is essential to this process. Careful quality control and precise automation massively reduces the risk of cross-contamination, supplying patients with reliable, high-quality medical solutions to address their health issues.
Recently, pharmaceutical manufacturing has been critical in helping address the COVID-19 pandemic, supplying life-saving vaccines, particularly for the elderly and immunocompromised. Leading manufacturers in this area include Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, which manufactured one of several COVID-19 vaccines.
07: Aeronautical Manufacturing
Connecting the world through travel and trade, Aeronautical manufacturing can be traced back to the aviation pioneers of the 19th and 20th centuries, like the Wright brothers.
Aeronautical manufacturing has made flying more affordable, accessible and sustainable, allowing families and friends to reunite, enhancing tourism and enabling increased trade. Drones and other flying technologies have emerged from this industry as well.
Manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus lead in this space, having extensive legacies advancing aeronautical development.
06: Apparel Manufacturing
Apparel manufacturing- which spans textiles to trainers- is both a modern-day necessity and an industry marked by ethical concerns.
On the one hand, mass apparel manufacturing has made clothing significantly more affordable, enhancing consumer choice and ensuring consistency. On the other hand, the industry faces challenges with sustainability and adhering to labour laws, embracing exploitation to drive economic growth.
In the last couple of years, ethical, sustainable fashion has become a priority for many, and leading manufacturers have moved to meet market demand. Manufacturers innovating in this space include Adidas and Nike.
05: Chemical Manufacturing
Essential to critical societal infrastructure, including sanitation and daily consumer products, chemical manufacturing is a deeply important and influential industry.
Chemicals are a vital part of nature, and these manufacturers harness and refine them to better serve the needs of modern society.
Global manufacturers including Dow Chemicals and BASF have worked to enhance their circularity and efficiency, using digital technologies to prioritise safety and effectiveness whilst handling chemicals.
04: Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics manufacturing has enabled us to write this piece, and for you to read it. Phones, laptops, cameras and headphones owe their existence to electronics manufacturing. Leading manufacturers in this space include Apple and Samsung.
Electronics manufacturing has its ethical challenges- including methods used to mine materials and its sustainability, with the prevalence of e-waste and the amount of energy used within the manufacturing process.
03: Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial manufacturers, which create heavy-duty machines and large-scale agricultural equipment are vital to the success of many industries.
Global industrial manufacturers like General Electric and Caterpillar have spearheaded industry development, utilising digital solutions to enhance quality, productivity and customizability.
Industrial manufacturing maintains our public infrastructure, transport and sanitation systems, and is ultimately the glue that holds urban industrial environments together.
02: Furniture Manufacturing
Creating the products that furnish and bring life to our homes, furniture manufacturers have enhanced the accessibility and affordability of household items for consumers.
With a lengthy and rich history that goes back to the ancient civilisations of the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, furniture was primarily made of wood, stone and metal.
Today's furniture manufacturers like IKEA and Herman Miller use a diverse range of materials to enhance the safety, support and comfort of their products.
01: Energy Manufacturing
Some of the most transformative developments in human history have been the discovery and harvesting of new types of energy.
This includes electricity, nuclear power and new sustainable energy production modes like wind turbines and solar panels.
Essential to heating and lighting our homes, energy manufacturers are responsible for the overall maintenance, well-being and efficiency of society. Global manufacturers like Chevron and Shell lead in this space, providing energy solutions for our modern planet.
Every single industry listed here plays a critical role in modern society, as we move towards more digitally agile, sustainable and ethical ways of living.
Industry leaders must recognise the need for continuous development and change, driving positive development and leveraging digital transformation for profound gains.
Despite the differences between these sectors, the overarching challenges they face are very similar, and together with the right mentality they can be effectively confronted.
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