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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.
Steel Dynamics -- Nuggets of Opportunity
Steel Dynamics hopes its Mesabi Nugget project will stabilize raw materials costs and provide the potential for new business.

None of the 2009 IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies came close to matching Steel Dynamics Inc.'s (SDI) 84% revenue growth in 2008. In just its 15th year of existence, the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based manufacturer of carbon steel products posted record revenue of nearly $8.1 billion in 2008 -- thanks to several acquisitions and higher average transaction prices for steel products, according to Chairman and CEO Keith Busse in the company's 2008 annual report.

Founded in 1993, SDI attributes its rapid ascent to the company's ability to seize on "business opportunities in our areas of technical expertise, through building new production facilities and acquiring others," according to its Web site. While SDI proved to be mortal in the first half of 2009 -- posting losses in the first and second quarters -- the company rebounded in the second half of the year, and the steelmaker continues to pursue new business opportunities at a time when other steel companies are hunkering down.

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IW 50 Best Manufacturing Companies Articles & News
IW 50 Best: Chevron Enters Cost-Cutting Mode

Company plans to cut 2,000 jobs and sell some overseas operations.

IW 50 Best: Nucor's New Platform for Growth

Steelmaker announces two deals in as many days aimed at broadening market reach

Nucor Forms Joint Venture With Mitsui

Newly formed company will focus on investments in North America and globally.

Polaris Industries Inc. Forges Ahead With New Products While Competitors Retreat

Cost-cutting initiatives along with aggressive growth plan leads to 21% profit gain in year-end quarter.

Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP: Profit Falls on Oil Price Hike

Company doesn't expect major losses from Shreveport refinery explosion.

IW50 Profile: Rockwell Automation Inc. -- Rockwell Automation's 'Smart' Bet

Company develops technologies that could help plants automate energy usage and cut costs.

Steel Dynamics Inc.: 4Q Profit Signals Rebound

Company finishes strong with two consecutive profitable quarters

Colgate-Palmolive Co.: Profiting Off Pearly Whites

Demand for dental products push company to record-setting quarter

Apple Inc.: Say Hello to the iPad

New tablet device will launch in March 2010 and sell for $499

CF Industries Holdings Inc.: Acquisition Bid From Agrium Intensifies

Fertilizer manufacturer tries to fend off buyout bid after giving up on yearlong attempt to purchase Terra Industries.

 
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.



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