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4 MIN. READ
If you were to refer to the stone, clay, and glass industry as the salt of the earth, you wouldn't be far off the mark. This sector uses natural substances gathered from our planet to make everything from roads to shower doors. Stone is primarily utilized by the building industry. However, glass and ceramics manufacturers serve the space, telecommunications, food storage, chemical, medical, nuclear, and computer industries.
Glass can be manufactured in a world of sizes and shapes for a dazzling array of applications. Manufacturers use clay to produce tile, china, electrical supplies, pottery, and many other ceramic products. Clay also figures heavily in research and development for new products. Stone, glass, and clay offer a multitude of opportunities for equipment and material suppliers. This industry also needs mainstream service providers in fields such as finance, IT, and staffing.
In this article, we’ll explore key facts about the U.S. stone, clay, and glass products industry based on exclusive data collected directly from the industry's companies by MNI.
A diverse sector that spans everything from heavy aggregates and cement to advanced ceramics and high-performance glass, supporting construction, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, the U.S. stone, clay, and glass products industry is both a legacy sector and an innovation-driven force within U.S. manufacturing. Here are some key facts and statistics we've gathered on the industry:
According to verified data collected by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, the U.S. stone, clay, and glass sector includes:
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The U.S. stone, clay, and glass products industry is broad, ranging from heavy construction inputs to specialty glass and ceramics. By SIC category, the sector breaks down into several key groups:
The largest segment of the industry, supplying ready-mix, precast, gypsum, and plaster products that serve as the core materials for nationwide construction projects. Ready-mix plants dominate with 3,829 companies, followed by concrete products and block makers.
This group focuses on natural stone products such as granite, limestone, and marble. Their work spans structural, decorative, and memorial applications.
These firms fabricate and finish glass for windows, doors, mirrors, and architectural installations. Demand is rising in both residential and commercial markets for energy-efficient and specialty glass.
This diverse group includes abrasives and other specialty mineral products, which remain essential inputs for manufacturing and construction.
Producers in this category manufacture industrial ceramics, porcelain electrical supplies, and decorative pottery, serving both utility and consumer markets.
This traditional segment supplies brick, tile, and related materials, still vital to residential and commercial building.
These companies manufacture glass containers, tableware, decorative glass, and industrial specialty products.
A small but critical segment producing cement for masonry, concrete, and infrastructure projects.
Producers in this category manufacture float, plate, and sheet glass for automotive and architectural use.
Geographically, the industry is concentrated in several regions:
This distribution highlights the strong role of the Midwest in supplying building and infrastructure materials, alongside major hubs in the South and coastal states.
Texas leads the nation with its broad base of ready-mix, precast, and clay product manufacturers. Houston and Dallas anchor this sector, fueled by rapid growth in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
California’s strong market for glass, ceramics, and concrete makes it a major employer. Southern California firms support both construction and consumer product markets, while innovation in materials science thrives in the state.
Ohio combines a historic legacy in glassmaking with extensive concrete operations. Toledo, known as the “Glass City,” and Columbus both serve as critical industrial hubs.
Pennsylvania hosts both high-tech glassmakers and traditional stone and concrete producers. Its output ranges from specialty glass for electronics to essential construction materials.
Florida’s booming growth keeps demand high for ready-mix, block, and precast products. Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville are at the center of this activity.
Georgia’s manufacturers support the state’s growing housing and commercial development, especially in metro Atlanta. Stone and concrete products dominate this segment.
Michigan is home to leading glass and ceramics producers, supplying both the automotive and construction industries. Zeeland is a particularly important employment hub.
New York maintains a mix of stone, glass, and mineral product firms. Corning’s leadership in advanced glass illustrates the state’s global reach.
Illinois supports a wide base of stone and concrete producers, particularly around Chicago, where urban development and infrastructure projects drive demand.
North Carolina supplies brick, tile, and concrete to support its fast-growing housing market, with manufacturers distributed across the state.
Like much of industry, stone, clay, and glass are impacted by the increasing pressure toward sustainability. Companies must concentrate on using eco-friendly raw materials and reducing waste. Environmentally, this sector has an advantage. As mentioned regarding clay, many products are recyclable, and manufacturing creates no or little hazardous waste. These manufacturers provide opportunities for services that emphasize the green aspects of production.
The drive toward automation and digitization also impacts this industry. Digitization allows real-time monitoring of production to increase safety and reduce errors. The use of this technology contributes to the need for IT services.
Producers are also showing an increased desire for customizable solutions. They want to understand the needs of their customers and cater to their pain points. This desire may open the door to research partnerships.
Finally, this industry is facing consolidation. Buying smaller companies with advanced technologies completes the portfolios of larger ones. The newly created entities seek to publicize their enhanced capabilities and expand their market presence.
Next, we’ll zero in on some specific trends in the industry.
Sustainability is becoming a driving force in the stone, clay, and glass industries, with companies adopting eco-friendly practices to meet environmental goals. A major focus is on the circular economy, where manufacturers are recycling waste materials, particularly glass and ceramics, into new products. This reduces reliance on raw material extraction and helps minimize environmental footprints.
Energy efficiency is another priority, as these industries are energy-intensive. To address this, companies are investing in energy-efficient production methods and turning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. For example, low-carbon alternatives in cement manufacturing are gaining traction, with blends that reduce emissions. Additionally, glass packaging is being promoted as a sustainable alternative to plastic, particularly in sectors like food and beverage where consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions is rising.
Technological innovations are reshaping the manufacturing processes for stone, clay, and glass, with advanced methods creating new opportunities for production and design. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is becoming more popular, particularly in ceramics and glass production. This technology enables highly precise, custom designs and reduces material waste, which is beneficial for industries like aerospace, healthcare, and electronics.
Smart glass technology, which can automatically adjust transparency based on light or electrical input, is making waves in both the construction and automotive industries. This innovation enhances energy efficiency by controlling heat and light in buildings and vehicles. Additionally, automation is revolutionizing stone cutting and finishing processes, with robotic systems enhancing precision, reducing waste, and increasing productivity.
The stone, clay, and glass industries are experiencing the ripple effects of global trade disruptions. Tariffs on raw materials like silica sand and kaolin clay have increased costs for manufacturers, leading some to explore more domestic sourcing options. Meanwhile, tariffs imposed by foreign governments on U.S.-made products have made it harder for companies to expand into international markets.
As a response, many manufacturers are diversifying their supply chains to avoid future disruptions, a trend accelerated by the challenges posed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the majority of stone, clay, and glass products are consumed domestically, companies are exploring opportunities to expand into developing markets where demand for construction materials is rising, even as transportation costs and trade barriers pose ongoing challenges.
Research and development are central to innovation in the stone, clay, and glass industries, particularly when it comes to improving product performance and sustainability. In ceramics, for instance, new materials are being developed that can withstand extreme temperatures and resist wear and corrosion. These advances are particularly important in sectors like aerospace, nuclear power, and healthcare, where high-performance materials are essential.
Glass manufacturers are also exploring new compositions that enhance strength and durability while maintaining transparency, crucial for next-generation electronics and smartphones. In concrete, there’s a push toward more recyclable materials, with innovations like geopolymer cement offering lower carbon footprints and greater reuse potential. Nanotechnology is also becoming a game-changer, particularly in the development of glass and ceramics with self-cleaning and antimicrobial properties, which are gaining traction in healthcare and food packaging.
Regulatory pressures continue to shape the stone, clay, and glass industries, particularly in areas like environmental impact, health, and safety. Environmental regulations around emissions and waste disposal have become more stringent, especially in energy-intensive processes like glass and cement production. Compliance with these standards is often achieved through investments in cleaner technologies and reporting on environmental impacts.
Energy efficiency standards are also being enforced across the sector, requiring companies to upgrade machinery and reduce their energy consumption, with opportunities for tax incentives and rebates as a result. Worker safety is another regulatory priority, with agencies like OSHA imposing strict guidelines to protect workers from hazards like silica dust exposure. Additionally, international certifications, such as ISO standards for environmental and occupational safety, are becoming more common, helping businesses align with global regulations and improve their marketability, especially for international trade.
Stone, clay, and glass offer many prospects for selling goods and services. Still, you must reach receptive and empowered eyes and ears to present what you offer. Powered by trusted MNI data, IndustrySelect can help. A subscription will provide you with up-to-date company profiles, including contact information for executives who can seal a deal. Try a free demo today and dig into the opportunities in this promising sector. Start your free demo account today, loaded with 500 real company profiles in the U.S. industrial sector.