Positive Words from 2009’s Best Manufacturing Companies

Industry week announced the 50 Best Manufacturing Companies for 2009 this week. To identify the top performing manufacturers, the IW formula factored in revenue growth and profit margin over the past three years, with 2008 results weighted most heavily. Among the list were some of the leaders in aerospace, machinery and manufacturing including Lockheed Martin, Alliant Techsystems, U.S. Steel, Donaldson Co., Polaris Industries and Nucor Corporation. While the rest of the country continues to focus on the current economic crisis, many of these companies are keeping their eyes sharply focused on the future.

While most of the companies commented on the challenges of the past six months, there was a clear underlying positive tone in their messages to IW. Bill Cook, chairman, president and CEO of Donaldson Co., noted, “We did see continued strong sales in our aerospace and defense, retrofit emissions and gas turbine businesses, which helped to offset the weaknesses in our other end markets.” Additionally, CEO of Polaris Industries, Scott Wine stated, “Going forward, our strategy remains unchanged; we will continue to leverage our innovation, speed to market and flexible manufacturing capabilities to gain market share while focusing on improving our operating margins."

The big players in the Aerospace industry are starting to shed a positive light as well. Lockheed Martin got a solid start to 2009, said the company in its first-quarter earnings release. They have also projected net sales for 2009 to be in the range equivalent to the outlook provided in January this year. Similarly, Alliant Techsystems Inc. is concentrating efforts on new projects both internationally and domestic. Chairman and CEO Dan Murphy is optimistic – “"In FY09, ATK significantly expanded our opportunity for growth. We established a new presence in commercial aerospace through the A350 program, significantly expanded our international ammunition business while delivering an unprecedented volume of ammunition to domestic commercial and government customers, captured a promising advanced missile target program, and pioneered new small satellite technologies."

While the economy may not be out of the woods yet, we are definitely starting to see signs of manufacturing growth. It is clear that many of these top companies are leveraging their situations carefully, looking to innovation and technology to carry them through the year and into a stronger position when our economy recovers.

Read about Industry Week’s 50 Best Manufacturing Companies
Read how FARO can Review and Improve your Processes