Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers
The NAM membership built for small and medium-sized manufacturers - the companies that power 85 percent of our membership and employ millions across America.
Small and Medium Manufacturers
Small and medium manufacturers are the cornerstone of the American economy.
SMM Membership is the NAM membership built for them — the companies that make up 85% of NAM membership. We deliver representation, insights and analysis and trusted advisers who serve as an extension of your team while you solve your toughest challenges.
The mightiest force in the economy
Small shops. Massive impact.
Sources: NAM membership data; U.S. Census Bureau; NAM, The Cost of Federal Regulation to the U.S. Economy, Manufacturing and Small Business (2023).
We hear you
Your toughest questions have a team
Every small and medium manufacturer wrestles with the same four questions. SMM Membership puts the NAM's policy experts, economists, lawyers and operational programs on each one.
Will we have enough workers with the right skill sets to meet customer demand?”
The Manufacturing Institute projects 3.3 million open manufacturing positions by 2033. The MI’s programs — FAME USA, Heroes MAKE America, Women MAKE America and MFG Day — build your pipeline now.
How do we keep up with constant and inconsistent regulatory overreach?”
Compliance costs SMMs $50,100 per employee per year. The NAM submitted 44 targeted reform proposals to 10 federal agencies and is pressing for clear, consistent, reasonable rules — with early wins already secured.
How can we plan for future investment and profitability?”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) delivers the certainty to plan: a permanent pass-through deduction, permanent individual rates and a permanently increased estate tax exemption for family-owned manufacturers.
How can we leverage AI, big data and Manufacturing 4.0?”
The Manufacturing Leadership Council — the NAM’s digital transformation division — delivers the research, benchmarking and peer networks that turn AI and M4.0 from buzzwords into your competitive advantage.
Built for your team
Big-company resources, small-company focus
- Leading Edge newsletter (formerly Power of Small) — weekly, actionable intelligence delivered to 10,000+ business leaders, tailored to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
- Free forums, virtual meetings and webinars — the industry’s top CEOs, experts and innovators sharing the practices that help small manufacturers prosper.
- A national spotlight — original reporting on small manufacturers across NAM.org and the NAM’s social platforms, reaching policymakers, advisers and key media.
Keeping our promises
Delivering wins built for small manufacturers
The NAM drove congressional passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) — the strongest tax legislation for manufacturers in a generation — powered by the voices of small and medium-sized manufacturers across the country, cited on both the House and Senate floors.
Source: NAM Third Quarter Report Card, September 2025.
Do more. Make more.
Operational solutions that strengthen your balance sheet
NAM Operational Solutions are a suite of members-only programs designed to help you save time, reduce costs, increase efficiencies, streamline your operations and navigate disruptions.
NAM Cyber Cover
Exclusive cybersecurity and risk-mitigation program with manufacturing-specific coverages, developed with AHT Insurance and Coalition.
nam.org/cyber →NAM Energy
A comprehensive energy management strategy — the best supplier contracts, efficiency insights and lower costs, powered by Environ.
nam.org/energy →NAM Incentives Locator
Claim critical U.S. government funding when hiring, expanding or making capital investments, powered by Atlas Insight.
nam.org/incentives →NAM 401(k)
A multiple-employer retirement plan from Principal® and HUB International that cuts administrative burdens and audit fees.
nam.org/retirement →CONNEX Marketplace
America's most advanced buyer/seller network for manufacturers — search by certifications, capabilities and equipment.
nam.org/connex →NAM Shipping & Supplies
Exclusive member discounts with UPS, R+R Freight, Staples and FedEx — plus a dedicated shipping specialist.
nam.org/shipping →Only at the NAM
A PR team and a policy team — on your roster
The NAM’s communications and brand strategy team is a full-scale PR shop invested in the success of manufacturers in the United States — message development, media introductions, executive positioning and crisis counsel honed at the highest levels of government and national campaigns.
And when small manufacturers tell their stories, Washington listens: the NAM elevates members’ voices to advance direct engagement with top policymakers, organizing facility visits and roundtables that bring lawmakers right to your shop floor.
Put the NAM to work for your company.
Ready for a dedicated adviser, committees, events and the full strength of the industry's advocacy team? Become a member — or, if your revenue is under $5 million, start with Leading Edge Membership for $250 a year.
