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IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies

To identify the 50 top performing manufacturers, the IW formula factors in revenue growth and profit margin over the past three years, with the most recent year results weighted most heavily. We also considered three-year performance in four other financial ratios; return on equity, return on assets, asset turnover and inventory turns.

2009 IndustryWeek's 50 Best Manufacturing Companies: American Icons
Some recognizable names make their first appearance on IndustryWeek's 50 Best Manufacturing Companies list.

That swoosh you hear isn't LeBron James gliding over defenders for a slam dunk. Rather, it's Nike Inc. riding the backs of such superstars as James and Tiger Woods on to the 2009 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies list. Nike is among several newcomers to the IW 50 list that include such household names as Kellogg Co. and Philip Morris International Inc.

These manufacturers and the rest of the IW 50 leaders are selected based on a formula applied to the IW U.S. 500 spreadsheet. Company performance is measured over a three-year period (2005-2008) in the areas of revenue growth, profit margin, return on equity, asset turnover, inventory turnover and return on assets. The six variables are weighted with the most recent year contributing 50% of the calculation in each area.

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You may also view the list and profiles of the IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies.

IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies Articles & News

Microsoft Corp.: In Sync With Detroit

Steve Ballmer addresses discusses Microsoft’s collaboration with Ford and the future of manufacturing during the National Summit

6/25/2009

Dell Inc.: Banking on a Big Deal

Company looks to take advantage of recession that contributed to profit drop first quarter by snapping up tech companies

6/18/2009

Joy Global Inc.: Canceled Orders Spell Trouble

Mining equipment maker sets revenue, profit records in second quarter, but order losses could mean tough times ahead

6/11/2009

Nike Inc.: Courting Witnesses Around the Globe

Chinese consumers represent huge growth potential for athletic shoe and apparel maker

5/28/2009

Hess Corp.: Falling Prices Fuel Loss

Quarter ends in the negative after posting $759 million profit in the year-earlier period

5/21/2009

2009 IndustryWeek's 50 Best Manufacturing Companies: American Icons

Some recognizable names make their first appearance on IndustryWeek's 50 Best Manufacturing Companies list.

5/28/2009

Valero Acquires Stake in Netherlands Refinery

Company buys Dow Chemical's 45% interest in facility

5/20/2009

Murphy Oil Corp.: Profit Slips on Lower Fuel Prices

Worldwide crude, natural gas prices drop by more than one-half in first quarter

5/14/2009

Mueller Industries Inc.: At a Loss Over Copper Prices

Lower commodity values drag company to first loss in 18 years

5/7/2009

Holly Corp.: New Refinery Adds to Product Mix

Company agrees to terms with Sunoco to acquire Oklahoma refinery specializing in lubricants

4/30/2009

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IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies

The IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies is IndustryWeek's report on the 50 best publicly held U.S. manufacturing companies based on revenue.

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. We also considered three-year performance in four other financial ratios: inventory turns, asset turnover, return on assets and return on equity.

View the alphabetical list and profiles of the IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies.

Who were the previous top 50? You can still view the alphabetical list and profiles of the 2008 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies, the alphabetical list and profiles of the 2007 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies, the alphabetical list and profiles of the 2006 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies and the alphabetical list and profiles of the 2005 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies.

Leadership Insights From The IW 50

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IndustryWeek.com delivers this informative newsletter to help executives keep abreast of strategic actions at the IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies. Whether its globalization, supply-chain issues or management philosophies, the Top 50 companies provide valuable insight into challenges faced by all manufacturers.

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