A Manufacturing Legacy Reinvented
Few regions in America have a manufacturing story as rich as the Lehigh Valley. Allentown and neighboring Bethlehem once powered the nation with steel, cement, and heavy industry. While the steel era has passed, the region's engineering spirit remains alive. Today, the Lehigh Valley is home to world-class manufacturers producing everything from lighting controls and medical devices to trucks, industrial gases equipment, and precision components.
These companies benefit from a skilled workforce, strong technical colleges, proximity to major East Coast markets, and excellent highway and rail access. Together, they support thousands of jobs and keep Allentown at the center of American manufacturing.
How We Built This List
We focused on companies that design and manufacture physical hardware or equipment in Allentown or the surrounding Lehigh Valley. Our criteria included innovation, product quality, regional economic impact, global reputation, and contribution to the local workforce.
The Top 10 Hardware Manufacturers in the Allentown Area
1. Lutron Electronics
Headquartered in nearby Coopersburg, Lutron Electronics invented the solid-state dimmer and has grown into a global leader in lighting controls and automated shading. Its products are found in homes, offices, and landmark buildings worldwide. Lutron remains family-owned and is one of the region's most respected employers.
2. Mack Trucks
Mack Trucks has deep roots in Allentown and operates its Lehigh Valley Operations assembly plant in Lower Macungie Township. The plant builds Mack's heavy-duty trucks, which are known for durability and power. Mack's legacy is so intertwined with the area that the bulldog emblem is a local icon.
3. Air Products
Air Products, headquartered in Allentown, is a global leader in industrial gases. Beyond supplying gases, the company designs and manufactures advanced equipment for hydrogen production, liquefied natural gas processing, and air separation. Its work in clean hydrogen places Allentown at the forefront of the energy transition.
4. Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Olympus maintains its Americas headquarters in Center Valley, just outside Allentown. The company is known for medical endoscopes, surgical devices, and diagnostic equipment. Its presence brings high-tech engineering, research, and service operations to the Lehigh Valley.
5. Victaulic
Based in Easton, Victaulic manufactures mechanical pipe-joining systems, fire protection products, and valves used in commercial buildings, mines, and industrial facilities around the world. Its grooved piping technology has transformed how large construction projects are completed efficiently.
6. B. Braun Medical
B. Braun Medical's US headquarters is located in Bethlehem. The company produces infusion pumps, IV systems, and a wide range of medical devices relied upon by hospitals nationwide. Its commitment to patient safety and manufacturing quality is well recognized in the healthcare industry.
7. ATAS International
ATAS International, headquartered in Allentown, designs and manufactures metal roofing, wall panels, and architectural metal products. Its products are used in commercial, institutional, and residential buildings across North America, combining durability with modern design.
8. Bosch Rexroth
Bosch Rexroth operates a significant facility in Bethlehem, producing hydraulic systems and motion control technology. Its components power industrial machinery, mobile equipment, and factory automation systems, supporting manufacturers around the world.
9. FLSmidth
FLSmidth's North American operations in Bethlehem reflect the region's long history with cement production. The company engineers equipment and solutions for the cement and mining industries, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and emissions reduction.
10. C.F. Martin and Co.
Located in Nazareth, C.F. Martin and Co. has handcrafted acoustic guitars since the nineteenth century. Its instruments are prized by legendary musicians and hobbyists alike. Martin demonstrates how precision craftsmanship and heritage manufacturing continue to thrive in the Lehigh Valley.
What Makes the Lehigh Valley a Manufacturing Hub
The region offers a powerful combination of advantages. It sits within a day's drive of a large share of the US population, making distribution efficient. Lehigh Carbon Community College, Northampton Community College, and Lehigh University supply technical talent and research partnerships. Economic development organizations actively support expansion and workforce training.
Manufacturers also benefit from a strong supplier network, which reduces costs and improves responsiveness. This ecosystem has attracted both established global brands and growing mid-sized firms.
Manufacturing Trends in the Region
Automation, robotics, and data-driven production are reshaping factory floors. Clean energy, including hydrogen and electrified transportation, is creating new opportunities. Reshoring trends are bringing production back to the United States, and sustainability goals are encouraging manufacturers to reduce waste and energy consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is manufacturing still a major employer in Allentown?
Yes. Manufacturing remains one of the largest employment sectors in the Lehigh Valley, offering careers in engineering, skilled trades, quality control, logistics, and management.
What skills do local manufacturers look for?
Employers seek machinists, electricians, maintenance technicians, engineers, and workers with experience in automation and robotics. Local community colleges offer certificate programs designed in partnership with regional manufacturers.
Why do global companies choose the Lehigh Valley?
The region offers access to major East Coast markets, competitive operating costs, a strong workforce, excellent transportation infrastructure, and a supportive business community, making it an attractive location for headquarters and production facilities.
Final Thoughts
From Lutron's lighting innovations to Mack's legendary trucks and Air Products' clean energy equipment, Allentown's hardware manufacturers prove that the region's industrial spirit is stronger than ever. These companies continue to create quality jobs and products that reach every corner of the globe.