Last Updated on March 20, 2023 by
The capital goods sector includes a wide range of businesses and industries that manufacture, supply and maintain the physical machinery and equipment necessary for producing other products. From industrial tools to power plants to medical systems, understanding what is involved in this area can be essential for larger business decisions.
This article will provide an overview of some of the companies found within the capital goods field so you can begin to do your own research on potential recruiters or partnerships.
What is a capital goods company?
A capital goods company plays a critical role in stimulating the growth and development of industries and economies.
Such companies manufacture and engage in the production of machinery, equipment, or various assets that are utilized by other businesses to create products, render services or initiate various projects.
By facilitating the essential means of production, capital goods companies contribute significantly to enhancing the productivity, efficiency, and technological advancements of industries.
Examples of capital goods companies encompass a myriad of spheres, including manufacturers of heavy machinery, aviation producers, and energy sector equipment suppliers, to name a few.
As engines of the industrial complexes, these companies possess the potential to drive substantial growth for economies, rendering them invaluable participants in the business ecosystem.
Types of capital goods Companies
Capital goods companies play a pivotal role in driving the growth and productivity of various industries and economies across the globe.
By specializing in the production and supply of essential machinery, tools, and equipment, these companies empower businesses of all sizes to generate tangible goods and services more efficiently.
The spectrum of capital goods encompasses a diverse range of products, including industrial equipment, factory machinery, and transportation devices, tailor-made to support the unique requirements of an array of sectors.
Furthermore, with the emergence of Industry 4.0 and the integration of advanced technologies such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence, capital goods companies have demonstrated their innovative potential and adaptability.
By embracing these cutting-edge solutions, they continue to enhance the performance, quality, and sustainability of production processes, ensuring that businesses remain competitive in an ever-evolving global marketplace.
Top 15 capital goods companies
1. Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc., headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, is an international powerhouse in the construction and mining industry. With a workforce of over 100,000 personnel and billions of dollars in annual sales, Caterpillar manufactures a vast array of earth-moving equipment, vehicles for excavation and mining operations, engines, turbines, and other related products.
2. John Deere
Founded in 1837, John Deere is a renowned manufacturer of top-of-the-line agricultural and forestry equipment from its home in Moline, Illinois.
Their comprehensive selection boasts tractors, combines, lawnmowers, front loaders, and many other items. Not only that, but they also offer an extensive range of spare parts and accessories.
3. ABB
Based in Zurich, ABB is an internationally acclaimed Swiss firm specializing in power, automation, and robotics technology. With a wide range of offerings such as electric motors, drives, generators, and control systems – plus robots for improved automation and motion control – the company provides customers with access to cutting-edge solutions.
4. Siemens
Siemens AG, a giant in the engineering and technology world, is based in Munich, Germany. This renowned multinational employs over 350 thousand individuals dedicated to developing high-quality products for industrial applications such as power plants, motors, generators, and turbines; as well as automation solutions for manufacturing facilities.
5. General Electric
General Electric is based in Fairfield, Connecticut, and is one of the world’s largest companies. It produces products ranging from aircraft engines to medical imaging systems and provides services such as finance, aviation leasing, and energy management solutions.
6. Hitachi
Hitachi is a Japanese electronics company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Its products range from consumer electronics such as TVs, cameras, and home appliances to industrial equipment for the automotive, construction, power generation, and IT sectors.
7. Parker-Hannifin Corporation
Parker-Hannifin Corporation is an American manufacturer of motion and control technologies headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It produces a range of products for aerospace, industrial, mobile, and automotive applications.
8. Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc. is an American manufacturer of engines, power generation equipment, and related components headquartered in Columbus, Indiana.
It produces engines for light- to heavy-duty vehicles, trucks, and off-highway equipment as well as diesel generators for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
9. ThyssenKrupp
ThyssenKrupp is a prominent German multinational headquartered in Essen. The company provides an array of superior services and products for the automotive, construction, power generation, shipbuilding, and capital goods industries worldwide.
10. Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco is a Swedish manufacturer of compressors, vacuum solutions, air treatment systems, and construction equipment. The company has more than 40,000 employees and operates in 180 countries worldwide.
11. Komatsu Ltd.
Komatsu Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer of construction, mining, and industrial machinery headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It produces bulldozers, excavators, wheel loaders, and other products for the construction, mining, and military sectors.
12. Manitowoc
Manitowoc is an American manufacturer of cranes and lifting equipment based in Wisconsin. It produces a range of machines for construction, marine, aerospace, and other industrial applications.
13. ITT Corporation
ITT Corporation is an American manufacturer of pumps, valves, motion control products, and control systems headquartered in White Plains, New York. Its products are used in a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and water treatment.
14. Danaher Corporation
Danaher Corporation is a diversified technology and manufacturing company based in Washington, DC. It produces products for the life sciences and diagnostics industries as well as industrial tools, motion control systems, and environmental technologies.
15. Rotork
Rotork is a British manufacturer of industrial valve control systems headquartered in Bath, England. Its products are used in industries such as oil exploration, water treatment, and power generation to provide efficient and reliable control solutions.
What Are Some Examples of capital goods?
Capital goods, sometimes referred to as producer goods or means of production, represent the tangible assets that organizations utilize in the manufacturing, production, or distribution of goods and services.
These goods essentially contribute to the overall growth and development of an economy by fostering technological advancements, productivity, and economic efficiency.
Some prominent examples of capital goods encompass machinery, equipment, tools, and infrastructure. In the automotive industry, for instance, vehicles such as forklifts or conveyor belts are vital capital goods.
Similarly, in the realm of construction, heavy machinery like cranes and excavators, alongside specialized tools, play a significant role in meeting project objectives. Furthermore, within the energy domain, power plants, wind turbines, and solar panels all serve as crucial capital goods.
What is the largest capital goods Company in the US?
The United States boasts an array of notable capital goods companies, contributing significant value to the nation’s economy. Yet, in this competitive landscape, one company stands out as the largest: General Electric (GE).
With a history stretching back more than a century, GE has etched its name as a global leader and pioneer across various industries, including energy, aviation, and healthcare.
This conglomerate is not only distinguished by its vast product portfolio and far-reaching market presence, but also by its continuous pursuit of innovation and commitment to excellence.
As the US economy increasingly relies on advanced technology and infrastructure, General Electric’s prominence and influence in the capital goods sector grows, bolstering its position as the most noteworthy American company of its kind.
How many capital goods Companies are there in the US?
In the United States, the number of capital goods companies continues to be an intriguing subject. These enterprises specialize in producing essential machinery, equipment, and structures necessary for businesses to generate income and drive economic growth.
The exact number of such companies is somewhat elusive, as it fluctuates in response to market demands, technological advancements, and various economic factors.
However, it must be noted that capital goods companies remain an integral part of the American industrial landscape, with their presence in diverse sectors such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and telecommunications.
It is imperative to keep a close eye on this dynamic segment, as its performance significantly influences the trajectory of US economic growth and the well-being of countless businesses relying on their products and services.