Top Manufacturing and Machining Business Directories

For machine shops and contract manufacturers, getting discovered by new prospects online is critical for driving quotes and sales. Listing your business across targeted industry directories and marketplaces beyond just Google can significantly expand your reach. This guide covers the top manufacturing and machining directories that can help your shop attract new business.

MachiningPartner

Machining Partner is a one-stop manufacturing sourcing company that offers a wide range of services, including CAD/CAM design and drafting, CNC programming, reverse engineering, process optimization, machining services, and farm & machinery parts manufacturing. Even web design for machine shops and finding price on Verisurf or Vericut Software Price.

Overview

• Founded by machinists and engineers with over 20 years of hands-on experience.
• Specializes in made-to-order contract manufacturing rather than off-the-shelf parts.
• Global network of machine shops, fabricators, foundries, and other partners.
• Handles everything from sourcing to engineering to production and delivery.
• Committed to building long-term relationships and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and intricacies.
• Can handle design, engineering, production, sourcing, and logistics end-to-end.
• Established relationships with qualified partners across manufacturing ecosystem.
• Focused on quality, cost control, speed, reliability and continuous improvement.
• Trusted partner for OEMs, engineers, purchasers, and other manufacturing roles.

ThomasNet

ThomasNet has been connecting manufacturing buyers and suppliers for over 100 years. Their database covers over 500,000 companies across thousands of industries.

Overview of ThomasNet

Some key facts about ThomasNet:

• Receives over 1.5 million monthly visitors searching for manufacturing suppliers.
• Editors manually review and categorize company listings for relevancy.
• Offers upgraded “Premier Provider” paid listings for increased visibility.
• Provides RFQ distribution tools for buyers to send requests to multiple suppliers.
• Owns the legacy Thomas Register brand which published product catalogs.
• Also operates Thomas, an industry news site with original manufacturing content.

ThomasNet attracts buyers from all sectors like aerospace, medical, automotive, consumer products, and more looking for custom parts and production services. Companies listing there range from machine shops doing $1 million in sales to billion-dollar conglomerates.

ThomasNet Features

ThomasNet provides a suite of tools and capabilities for both buyers and suppliers:For Buyers

• Searchable directory of manufacturing suppliers
• Real-time RFQ distribution system to send inquiries to multiple suppliers
• Ability to manage RFQs using a dashboard and review quotes
• Product catalogs, CAD drawings, and other specifications
• Industry news, articles, and product announcements

For Suppliers

• Dashboard for receiving RFQs and managing responses
• Different paid Premier Provider program levels
• SEO value from high domain authority inbound links
• Detailed company profile building
• Lead generation tools and analytics

ThomasNet Pros and Cons

Pros of ThomasNet Listings:

• High visibility with millions of industrial buyers visiting monthly.
• Established reputation and long history in manufacturing.
• Editors customize category placements for relevancy.
• Premier paid listings increase rankings in product areas.
• Powerful lead gen and RFQ distribution tools.

Cons of ThomasNet Listings:

• Expensive paid subscriptions can cost thousands per year.
• Free listings often get buried and overlooked.
• Buyers can potentially overload suppliers with RFQ volume.
• Mixed quality of listings depending on subscription level.
• Dated site design and user experience.

Overall, ThomasNet is worth exploring for manufacturers that regularly fulfill specialized or high-value custom part orders. Paid subscriptions drive the most benefit in reduced competition and increased lead funnel.

MacRae’s Blue Book

MacRae’s Blue Book focuses on connecting industrial and manufacturing buyers primarily in the US and Canada. They offer various ways for buyers to access and engage suppliers.

Overview of MacRae’s Blue Book

Background information on MacRae’s Blue Book:

• Founded in the 1970s as a printed manufacturing directory.
• Transitioned to an online industrial directory in the 1990s.
• Provides listings for over 500,000 companies across the US and Canada.
• Owned by Cortera, which also operates other B2B data services.
• Primarily focused on helping buyers find industrial suppliers and services.

MacRae’s caters to manufacturing, energy, transportation, aerospace, medical, and other industrial sectors. In addition to CNC machining and fabrication, they cover services like industrial coatings, testing labs, raw materials, fasteners, and MRO.

MacRae’s Features

MacRae’s Blue Book offers the following features:For Buyers

• Searchable manufacturing supplier directory
• RFQ request forms to contact multiple suppliers
• Ability to upload technical diagrams and specifications
• Company profile information including capabilities
• Request contact info and quotes from supplier listings

For Suppliers

• Free basic directory listings
• Paid premium listings with higher visibility
• Lead generation dashboard to manage RFQs
• Listing activity analytics and tracking
• Press release distribution to promote news

MacRae’s Pros and Cons

Pros of MacRae’s Blue Book

• Established reputation in industrial B2B space.
• Focus on manufacturing makes it targeted.
• Different paid listing tiers to boost rankings.
• Lead gen dashboard helps manage RFQs.
• Buyers can contact suppliers directly.

Cons of MacRae’s Blue Book

• Much lesser known vs ThomasNet.
• Website design looks dated compared to competitors.
• Requires paid subscriptions to get full value.
• Details like certifications not highlighted upfront.
• Less brand recognition with buyers than ThomasNet.

MacRae’s provides a solid manufacturing vertical focus but has lower awareness than ThomasNet. Paid subscriptions can help companies stand out in specific sub-categories.

IQS Directory

IQS Directory concentrates on connecting industrial buyers to suppliers of components, services, custom manufacturing, and much more. They aim to cover every aspect of the supply chain.

Overview of IQS Directory

Background on IQS Directory:

• Founded in 2000 as an industrial directory.
• Connects over 300,000 buyers to manufacturing suppliers.
• Covers around 60 industry categories including aerospace, automotive, and medical.
• Used by engineers, purchasers, technical specialists, and other roles.
• Focused primarily on custom manufacturing capability matching.

IQS spans common manufacturing like CNC machining in addition to services like 3D printing, metal finishing, electronics assembly, and industrial repair.

IQS Directory Features

IQS provides the following directory capabilities:For Buyers

• Ability to submit RFQs to multiple suppliers at once.
• Company profiles with detailed capabilities and specialties.
• Product catalogs, datasheets, and technical specifics.
• Search tools for finding suppliers by process, material, location, certifications etc.

For Suppliers

• Supplier listings searchable by buyers across the site.
• Optional paid premium listings for increased visibility.
• Company profile builder to list capabilities in detail.
• Lead dashboard for monitoring RFQ submissions from buyers.
• SEO value from domain authority backlinks.

IQS Directory Pros and Cons

Pros of IQS Directory:

• Massive database of industrial suppliers across sectors.
• Wide range of manufacturing and supply chain services covered.
• RFQ lead generation system.
• Suppliers can list certifications, equipment, materials etc.
• Established domain authority provides SEO value.

Cons of IQS Directory:

• No free listing option – have to pay to get listed.
• Website layout prioritizes ads over user experience.
• More informational rather than directly transactional.
• No clear leader in manufacturing – tries to cover too much.

IQS aims for breadth covering the entire industrial supply chain which can dilute its value for specific segments like machining and fabrication. But its vast size and buyer audience still makes it worth consideration.

Manta

Manta combines business directory listings across every sector with a news feed relevant to small and medium businesses. They offer paid advertising options.

Overview of Manta

Background details on Manta:

• Provides a large local business directory and news site.
• Covers all types of companies from restaurants to doctors to manufacturers.
• Used extensively by small business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Focused primarily on US, Canada, and UK markets.
• Owned by Equifax since 2018.
• Gets over 3 million monthly visitors.

Manta spans the full range of B2B and B2C companies. But they have a sizable manufacturing and engineering section given the breadth of their database.

Manta Features

Manta provides these features and tools:For Buyers

• Ability to browse or search business listings.
• Company profiles with key details like location, contact info, services.
• Request quotes or information directly from listings.
• Check out ratings, reviews, photos, and other business info.
• Search for coupons, deals, events, and savings.

For Suppliers

• Free basic business directory listing.
• Paid premium listings with boosted visibility.
• Target top placement in local search results.
• Business profile builder.
• Website links, social profiles, photos etc.
• Lead generation dashboard.

Manta Pros and Cons

Pros of Manta Listings:

• Wide reach with millions of business directory searches.
• Established mainstream brand recognition.
• Free basic listing option available.
• Useful for local SEO and geographic targeting.
• News articles provide added small business advice.

Cons of Manta Listings:

• Not focused specifically on manufacturing or industrial.
• Mixed quality of listings from individuals to big brands.
• Simplistic company profiles with limited capabilities info.
• Buyers often comparison shopping rather than ready to purchase.
• Many duplicate or outdated company listings.

Manta offers broad exposure but lacks the specificity of vertical marketplaces. The large visitor traffic warrants claiming a basic free listing, but paid advertising may provide limited ROI.

Visit Manta

GlobalSpec

GlobalSpec provides engineering and technical professionals with industry news, product information, and a supplier directory. Engineers use the site heavily during research and sourcing.

Overview of GlobalSpec

Background information on GlobalSpec:

• Founded in 1999 as an engineering industry resource.
• Provides technical product content and engineering-focused articles.
• Covers major industries like industrial automation, manufacturing, aerospace, and robotics.
• Visitors include engineers, technical specialists, product designers and more.
• Primarily a lead generation source for technical sales vs transactional.

GlobalSpec attracts engaged prospects during initial research stages rather than buyers ready to pull the trigger. So it’s better for top-funnel awareness than bottom-funnel conversion.

GlobalSpec Features

GlobalSpec offers these capabilities:For Buyers

• News articles, product announcements, case studies.
• Searchable supplier directory.
• Catalogs, 3D CAD models, product datasheets.
• Ability to submit RFQs to suppliers directly.
• Tools for research, comparison, and technical education.

For Suppliers

• Option for free basic directory listing.
• Paid premium listings with boosted visibility.
• List technical specifications of products.
• Share CAD drawings, diagrams, and other assets.
• Dashboard for managing RFQ leads.
• Banner advertising opportunities.

GlobalSpec Pros and Cons

Pros of GlobalSpec Listings:

• Established user base of technical professionals.
• Useful for early stage lead nurturing.
• Suppliers can showcase technical product details.
• Option for free basic company listing.
• Recognized engineering industry brand.

Cons of GlobalSpec Listings:

• Light on manufacturing and fabrication categories.
• More informational than directly transactional.
• Buyers still researching rather than ready to buy.
• Requires paid subscriptions for full lead gen value.
• More focused on products vs custom manufacturing.

GlobalSpec excels for boosting awareness with technical buyers early in the sales cycle. But other directories may generate more bottom-funnel leads closer to a purchase decision.

Visit GlobalSpec

SuperPages

SuperPages provides local business listings and directory information. They have a manufacturing and machining category among many other sectors.

Overview of SuperPages

Background of SuperPages:

• Operates an online local business directory.
• Originally the Verizon Yellow Pages.
• Acquired by Dex Media in 2013.
• Primarily focused on local business listings, advertising, and lead generation.
• Directory spans every category from restaurants to doctors to tradespeople.

Although SuperPages covers all types of businesses, they do have a sizable manufacturing and engineering section given the breadth of companies listed.

SuperPages Features

SuperPages offers these tools and features:For Buyers

• Searchable local business listings by category, name, location etc.
• Basic company profiles with key information.
• Request quotes, pricing, or information directly through listings.
• Check out reviews, photos, videos, service areas, and other details.
• Search for coupons, deals, offers, and events.

For Suppliers

• Free basic directory listing option.
• Paid premium listings with higher visibility.
• Target top search result placement for local SEO.
• List business information like hours, locations, credentials.
• Customer reviews management and reputation tools.
• Website links, social profiles, photos etc.

SuperPages Pros and Cons

Pros of SuperPages Listings:

• Wide visibility from legacy Yellow Pages brand recognition.
• Huge amount of site traffic from local business searches.
• Free listing makes it easy to claim and optimize profiles.
• Can pay to showcase listings regionally.
• Supports local SEO lead gen when targeted locally.

Cons of SuperPages Listings:

• Not manufacturing or industry focused – extremely broad directory.
• Listings are fairly basic with minimal capabilities detail.
• Buyers typically price shopping vs ready to buy.
• Low relevance for suppliers serving national markets.
• Outdated legacy brand recognition among younger demos.

The local focus of SuperPages limits value for manufacturers serving national markets. But paying to stand out locally can deliver leads if conversion rates are strong.

Visit SuperPages

Zycon

Zycon concentrates on connecting buyers to manufacturing and fabrication shops able to produce custom parts. They provide a range of listing options.

Overview of Zycon

Background of Zycon directory:

• Founded in 1999 as a manufacturing marketplace.
• Specializes in linking buyers to custom parts manufacturers.
• Focused primarily on machining, fabrication, molding, casting, and related processes.
• Connects OEMs, engineers, purchasers, and other roles to suppliers.
• Global footprint with buyers and suppliers in many countries.

Zycon zeroes in specifically on made-to-order custom manufacturing capabilities rather than off-the-shelf products.

Zycon Features

Zycon provides these listing options and features:For Buyers

• Searchable directory of manufacturing capabilities.
• Diverse category options from machining to molding to plastics.
• Company profiles with certifications, processes, equipment, materials, etc.
• Ability to submit RFQs directly to suppliers.
• Purchasing tools like comparing manufacturer listings.

For Suppliers

• Different paid listing options by type like report listings or showcase.
• Premium listings with boosted visibility and company logo.
• List full capabilities across processes, materials, equipment, and more.
• Lead gen dashboard for managing RFQ submissions.
• Upload photos, brochures, presentations and other documents.

Zycon Pros and Cons

Pros of Zycon Listings:

• Narrow focus on made-to-order manufacturing.
• Listing options for different types of visibility.
• Company profiles can get very detailed on capabilities.
• Established history and brand recognition.
• Global audience of manufacturing buyers.

Cons of Zycon Listings:

• Requires paid subscriptions – no free listings.
• Website design looks extremely outdated.
• Buyers can easily overlook suppliers if not premium.
• More niche provider vs mammoth directories like Thomas.

Zycon’s legacy and specialization around made-to-order manufacturing helps differentiate them from gigantic generalized directories. But the outdated site design and lack of SEO authority limit their visibility and credibility.

Visit Zycon

JobShop.com

JobShop.com focuses on linking contract manufacturing buyers with machine shops and fab shops open to outside job shop work rather than captive production.

Overview of JobShop.com

Background information on JobShop.com:

• Founded in 1998 to connect contract manufacturing buyers and suppliers.
• Specialized specifically around job shops offering machining, fabrication, molding, and other services.
• Caters to OEMs, engineers, purchasers, and design firms looking to outsource production.
• Suppliers listed must be willing to take on outside job shop contracts vs internal work only.
• Primarily small- to medium-sized machine shops listed as suppliers.

JobShop positions itself as an outsourcing marketplace for contract manufacturing rather than custom parts and one-off orders.

JobShop.com Features

JobShop.com provides these listing features:For Buyers

• Searchable directory of contract manufacturing suppliers.
• Company profiles highlighting capabilities, equipment, materials and credentials.
• Ability to submit RFQs to filtered subsets of manufacturers.
• Buyers can request NDA agreements for sensitive projects.

For Suppliers

• Multiple paid supplier subscription tiers with varying visibility and contact options.
• Dashboard for managing RFQ leads submitted by buyers.
• Listing builder for profiling shop capabilities in detail.
• Options for anonymous listings to handle proprietary customer projects.

JobShop.com Pros and Cons

Pros of JobShop.com Listings:

• Specifically targets contract manufacturing circles.
• Allows creating highly detailed shop capability profiles.
• Tiers allow targeting RFQ visibility and contact preferences.
• Focused on job shops open to outside work rather than captive production.
• NDA request options help secure sensitive prototype projects.

Cons of JobShop.com Listings:

• Must pay subscription fees to list shop services and get RFQ leads.
• Competition from other manufacturers also advertising services.
• Buyers may lack loyalty and hop around suppliers.
• Requires significant time investment to keep listing optimized.

JobShop’s contract manufacturing focus provides a targeted audience open to outsourcing production. But the paid subscription model means fighting for relevance among other advertisers.

Visit JobShop.com

eMachineShop

eMachineShop allows anyone to get custom mechanical parts manufactured easily. But they also seek job shops to fulfill customer orders.

Overview of eMachineShop

Background of eMachineShop marketplace:

• Founded in 2003 to provide hassle-free custom part ordering.
• Instant online quoting and ordering of CNC machined and fabricated parts.
• Caters to startups, inventors, engineers, students, and other buyers.
• Maintains a qualified network of machine shops to produce customer orders.
• Shops compete on eMachineShop platform for jobs.

eMachineShop attracts buyers with instant quoting and order placement rather than traditional RFQ processes.

eMachineShop Features

eMachineShop provides:For Buyers

• Instant quoting and ordering of custom machined parts.
• User-friendly part design configurators and templates.
• Part price discounts at higher quantities.
• Order tracking dashboard and customer support.

For Suppliers

• Opportunities to fulfill eMachineShop customer machining orders.
• eMachineShop qualification process required.
• Dashboard shows new posted jobs for bid submission.
• eMachineShop assigns jobs to shops based on bids, timelines etc.

eMachineShop Pros and Cons

Pros of eMachineShop

• Huge buyer audience already familiar with platform.
• Turnkey access to buyers looking for machined parts.
• Platform manages order fulfillment logistics.
• Chance to win business from customers you wouldn’t encounter otherwise.

Cons of eMachineShop

• eMachineShop controls and allocates jobs rather than buyer.
• Bidding against competing machine shops on platform.
• Lower margins working through third party intermediary.
• Volume production focus rather than one-off work.

eMachineShop provides exposure to a large pool of buyers but gives up control to their platform vs direct customer relationships. Would likely complement rather than replace other lead sources.

Visit eMachineShop

Conclusion about Machine Shop and Manufacturing Business Directories

Directories provide invaluable exposure for machine shops looking to get found by more manufacturing buyers online. They open up lead channels beyond existing customers and organic search. Paid subscriptions can offer worthwhile boosts in relevance but still require excelling against other advertisers. Don’t assume more impressions directly correlate to more business.

Listings should be just one pillar of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy including SEO, content development, conversions optimization, and nurturing existing customer referrals. Hopefully this overview provides insights into leveraging manufacturing directories as a customer acquisition source. Let me know if you have any other questions!