Above: Above: Par Hawaii's team in Kapolei. Par Hawaii is the leading supplier of transportation fuels in Hawaii (Image source: Par Hawaii)
What’s made in Hawaii? While known as the ultimate American travel destination, the state of Hawaii also boasts a small but robust manufacturing sector, with deep roots in food processing, strong exports, and larger minority ownership.
Let’s explore the latest facts and trends in Hawaii’s manufacturing sector and explore its top companies, based on MNI survey of the state’s nearly 800 manufacturers.
According to MNI, compiler of the industrial information that powers IndustrySelect, Hawaii is currently home to 787 manufacturing companies employing 19,221 workers.
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According to MNI, Honolulu is Hawaii’s largest city based on number of manufacturing jobs, with 10,025 workers.
Read more: Top Manufacturing States in the U.S.
Other top cities in Hawaii include
• Kapolei (2,526 jobs)
• Waipahu (1,070 jobs)
• Aiea (935 jobs)
• Kailua Kona (647 jobs)
The food manufacturing industry ranks as Hawaii’s largest industrial sector based on number of jobs, employing 37% of the state’s industrial workers. The printing and publishing industry employs another 13%, while miscellaneous manufacturing industries employ 8%. Additional top industries include apparel and other textile products with 7% of the state’s workforce and fabricated metal products with 5%.
MNI reports there are 3,177 executive contacts among Hawaii’s manufacturing companies, including 495 presidents, 402 owners and partners; 219 vice-presidents and 226 sales, marketing and purchasing executives (you can reach all of these executives with the Hawaii Manufacturing Industry Database)
Other facts to know about Hawaii manufacturers, based on IndustrySelect’s advanced criteria available to subscribers, include ownership, distribution and other trends. Let’s take a look:
• 2% of Hawaii manufacturers are women-owned
• 3% are minority-owned
• 8% are publicly owned companies
• 14% import raw materials
• 18% distribute their products internationally.
These statistics reveal that more Hawaii manufacturers import more materials, compared to the national average (14% versus 11% nationally) and have more minority ownership (3% in Hawaii compared to 1% amongst U.S. manufacturers as a whole).
Next, we’ll take a look at the state’s top companies.
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• FCH Enterprises, Inc.
Founded in 1966, FCH Enterprises, Inc. is headquartered in Honolulu, HI, and employs 1,900 people. The company serves as a corporate hub for food preparation.
• Honolulu Cookie Co.
Established in 1998 and employing 500 people, Honolulu Cookie Co. is known for its gourmet pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies. The company operates from a 37,000 square foot facility in Honolulu, HI.
• Island Energy Services, LLC
With 350 employees, Island Energy Services, LLC began in Kapolei, HI, in 2017. The company operates a refinery and a network of retail service stations, providing a range of refined products across the state.
• Crazy Shirts
Crazy Shirts has been offering shirts, shorts, and casual wear since 1964. Based in Aiea, HI, the company has a workforce of 300.
• Loves Bakery, Inc.
Loves Bakery, Inc. has a rich history dating back to 1851. From its 120,000 square foot facility in Honolulu, HI, the company’s 300 employees produce breads, rolls, doughnuts, and pies.
• Food Solutions International
Food Solutions International, located in Waipahu, HI, has been in operation since 1966. The company’s 250 employees produce pastries, bread, bagels, cakes, cookies, chili entrees, soups, and sauces.
• Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp.
Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. was established in 1973 and employs 250 people in Keaau, HI. The company specializes in macadamia nut processing within a 30,000 square foot facility.
• Par Hawaii Refining LLC
Par Hawaii Refining, LLC, started in 1972 in Kapolei, HI, and employs 245 people. The company operates a cogeneration plant and distributes refined products throughout the state.
• Lanakila Pacific, Inc.
Since 1958, Lanakila Pacific, Inc. has been providing contract packaging and silk-screening services. The Honolulu, HI-based company employs 235 people and operates from a 46,000 square foot space.
• Pepsi Beverages Co.
Pepsi Beverages Co., located in Aiea, HI, employs 225 people and operates from a 225,000 square foot facility.
Interested in other states? Browse all of our state news here.
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