How to Find a USA-based Manufacturer and Supplier

Finding suppliers and manufacturers in the United States is challenging. Where do you start? In this post, we break down a process you can use to search for a USA-based supplier or manufacturer. The below approach will help you and your business achieve your Made in the USA goals.

Main takeaways

• Don’t miss the obvious – “Google it,” and don’t forget to search maps.
• Search online supplier and manufacturer databases featuring US-based companies.
• Call relevant industry, trade, and regional business associations.
• Check out the exhibitors and attendees at relevant industry expos and conferences.

Use a search engine to identify USA suppliers and manufacturers

We recommend starting with the obvious—“Google it.” Conducting targeted searches on Google as part of your sourcing process can quickly yield great local partners. This approach works well if you are looking for a for manufacturer or supplier in a specific region. 

We recommend including terms for cities, states, and regions in your search to produce more useful results. In a search for PVC pipe suppliers, use a targeted version “PVC pipe supplier Utah” and a broader search “PVC pipes USA”. They will produce different results.

To focus on registered businesses only, we recommend searching Google maps with key words relevant to your industry. If you are looking for co-packers in the USA, a general search for “co-pack” in a Google map search of all the USA will yield great leads. You can then zoom in on specific regions to pull out more targeted leads, many of which have not appeared in other steps of the search. In our work for clients, we have identified awesome suppliers and manufacturers for our clients by just utilizing this basic search process. 

Search online supplier and manufacturer databases

After conducting a search Google search, we recommend using established databases for finding suppliers and manufacturers in the United States. Online databases that we find helpful for finding USA suppliers and manufacturers include: 

Free manufacturer and supplier databases:

• Thomas: Thomas, originally a hard-copy directory of USA manufacturing companies (check out the 120+ year history here), offers a reliable online database of over 500,000 businesses in North America. The database, Thomasnet.com, is the most comprehensive and updated database of USA suppliers and manufacturers. Tools offered on the platform offer the ability to search by specific products, industry, etc. We use Thomasnet to help clients find USA-based partners every day. 
• MFG: A database focused on manufacturers only, including a global search that can be targeted to US-based manufacturers. Mfg.com offers a free search function. An inquiry on Mfg.com should be incorporated in any thorough manufacturing partner search. 
• Kompass: Similar to the above offering a global database, but also includes distributors and service providers. Kompass.com should be incorporated in any thorough supplier and manufacturer search. 

Paid/subscription manufacturer and supplier databases:

• Maker’s Row: A platform linking designers with US-based manufacturers. Makersrow.com focuses on “made in the America” and is a great tool for new brands looking for a manufacturing partner.
• Bcom.ai: For finding a specific existing part or product, we are a fan of the new AI-driven bcom.ai. The tool allows companies to search for vendors by manufacturer part number. It is also a great resource for looking for alternative supply options. The tool incorporates AI to help check for lower prices and alternatives. 

Leverage associations to find US-based suppliers and manufacturers

One of the most effective tactics is contacting relevant industry, trade, and business associations. Most associations will offer a public membership directory that you can search. For example, the Montana Chamber of Commerce offers a public searchable membership directory. Some associations may keep their membership private. Either way, we recommend picking up the phone and calling the associations and asking directly what you are looking for. Usually, membership management is happy to provide a referral, but you will need to provide specifics about your intentions.

We recommend contacting two types of associations to support your USA search:

• Industry-specific associations: There are many US-based industry associations, and one of their members may be the perfect fit. For example, if you are looking for plastic products, contact the the Plastics Industry Association. If you are looking to manufacturer a new fragrance, check out the Fragrance Creators Association. 
• City, state, and regional associations: Are you looking for a manufacturer in a certain region? Or perhaps a supplier close to your warehouse? Thinking strategically about logistics costs is an important factor in deciding where to source in the USA. We recommend checking out local chambers, business associations, and manufacturing associations. For example, for searches in Florida you can contact FloridaMakes and the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

Contacting associations is one of the most effective ways to find reliable suppliers and manufacturers in the USA. This approach often requires a phone call and direct communication. The Empress team uses our network of associations to help clients find the right supplier or manufacturer. 

Attend (or find the attendee list) for industry expos and conferences

Another great way to find suppliers and manufacturers in the USA is to attend relevant industry trade shows. If you cannot attend, try and find a list of the exhibitors, and even better, a full attendee list. For example, if you are looking for manufactures of natural goods and supplements, check out Expo West. They offer an a detailed exhibitor list—you can even search the database by keywords/categories.