
Plating is a cornerstone of U.S. manufacturing, supporting industries from aerospace and automotive to electronics and medical devices. Today, the industry includes hundreds of suppliers across the country, ranging from specialized plating shops to large-scale providers with nationwide reach. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at exclusive industry statistics, explore key trends shaping the market and highlight both the largest companies and standout suppliers featured on IndustryNet.
Key Facts on the U.S. Plating Industry
MNI, compiler and publisher of industrial business profiles for the U.S. industrial sector and informational engine behind IndustryNet, surveyed the nation’s more than 700 plating companies, directly collecting key data points on this essential industry.
- There are currently 769 plating suppliers in the U.S.
- 23,775 workers are employed in the sector nationwide.
- Employment has declined 1% in this sector over the past year.
- Average reported sales for America’s plating suppliers stands at $2.5 billion
- 16% of U.S. plating companies distribute internationally.
- Fewer plating facilities are dependent on imports, with 4% importing raw materials, compared to 11% of all U.S. manufacturers.
- The largest share of plating companies are situated in the Midwest, at 38%
- The U.S. South is home to 24% of plating manufacturers, followed by the East Coast at 20% and the Pacific/Mountain region at 18%.
What Is Plating?
Plating refers to a family of finishing processes that deposit or convert metal surfaces to improve their performance, durability, or appearance. While the most common form is electroplating, which uses an electric current to coat a part with metals like nickel, zinc, or chrome, the industry encompasses a variety of methods. Electroless plating applies coatings without electricity, relying instead on chemical reactions, while anodizing alters the surface of aluminum to enhance corrosion resistance and allow coloring. Other processes include passivation, which improves stainless steel’s natural protective layer, and black oxide, which provides a matte black finish with mild corrosion resistance.
Each method is chosen based on the material, function, and end-use requirements of the part. For example, gold plating is common in electronics for conductivity, while zinc plating is widely used for corrosion protection in fasteners and automotive parts. In every case, plating is a critical finishing step that allows components to meet the rigorous performance, safety, and aesthetic standards of modern industry.
Key Trends in the U.S. Plating Industry
One of the most pressing issues in plating today is compliance with stricter environmental regulations. Processes once reliant on hazardous chemicals, such as hexavalent chromium plating, are being replaced with safer, sustainable alternatives like trivalent chromium, electroless nickel, and aqueous-based coatings. These shifts are reshaping production methods and driving investment in greener technologies.
At the same time, demand is growing for high-performance finishes that do more than protect surfaces. Aerospace and defense manufacturers require coatings with thermal stability and wear resistance, while the electronics sector depends on conductive finishes for precision components. Automotive suppliers, facing the push toward electric vehicles, are increasingly seeking lightweight materials with advanced plating solutions to ensure both conductivity and corrosion protection.
Technology is also transforming operations. Automation and robotics are being deployed in plating lines to improve throughput and consistency, while real-time monitoring and data collection enable tighter quality control. Companies are also investing in predictive analytics to optimize chemical usage and extend bath life, cutting costs and waste. Supply chain shifts, including reshoring and domestic sourcing, are pushing more manufacturers to rely on local plating providers who can offer reliability and shorter lead times.
Largest Plating Companies in the U.S.
The plating sector includes a mix of long-established firms and modern innovators, many of which serve global markets with advanced capabilities. These leaders stand out for their scale, specialized expertise, and ability to meet demanding performance and compliance requirements across industries. Below are the ten largest plating companies in the U.S., based on number of employees.
| Company | City | State | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Industries, Inc. | Lincoln | NE | 600 |
| Embee Processing | Santa Ana | CA | 400 |
| SRG Global Coatings, Inc. | Ripley | TN | 300 |
| Allied Finishing, Inc. | Grand Rapids | MI | 250 |
| Leading Technologies, Inc. | Leechburg | PA | 250 |
| Roy Metal Finishing Co., Inc. | Piedmont | SC | 250 |
| Quaker City Plating Ltd. | Whittier | CA | 240 |
| American Electro Products, Inc. | Waterbury | CT | 220 |
| Anoplate Corp. | Syracuse | NY | 220 |
| Elm Plating Co. | Jackson | MI | 210 |
About the Largest Plating Companies
Lincoln Industries, Inc. (Lincoln, NE) – 600 employees
Founded in 1952, Lincoln Industries has grown into one of the nation’s largest privately owned plating companies. The company offers metal finishing, tube bending, and aftermarket truck parts, operating out of a one-million-square-foot facility. Known for its brands Lincoln Chrome, Khrome Werks, SourceOne, and Fourth Wall, the company serves customers worldwide and maintains ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949 certifications.
Embee Processing (Santa Ana, CA) – 400 employees
With a history dating back to 1948, Embee Processing is a well-established name in aerospace and defense plating. The company provides electroplating, anodizing, vacuum metallizing, nickel etching, chrome plating, and non-destructive testing. As a trusted partner to major aerospace manufacturers, Embee continues to play a key role in high-performance finishing applications.
SRG Global Coatings, Inc. (Ripley, TN) – 300 employees
A key supplier to the automotive industry, SRG Global specializes in automotive chrome plating. Established in 1972, the company is recognized for producing high-quality plated finishes that combine both durability and visual appeal, supporting automakers with trim and decorative components.
Allied Finishing, Inc. (Grand Rapids, MI) – 250 employees
Allied Finishing has built a strong reputation since its founding in 1978 for bright chrome, nickel, copper, and brushed finishes across multiple metals, including aluminum and stainless steel. Its 140,000-square-foot facility provides polishing, buffing, and assembly services in addition to plating, and the company is ISO 9001:2015 certified with an international distribution reach.
Leading Technologies, Inc. (Leechburg, PA) – 250 employees
Founded in 1994, Leading Technologies focuses on plating services for computer lead frames, automotive parts, and electronic connectors. With national distribution capabilities, the company combines nearly three decades of expertise with a specialization in precision plating for electrical applications.
Roy Metal Finishing Co., Inc. (Piedmont, SC) – 250 employees
Established in 1961, Roy Metal Finishing is a regional leader in electroplating, powder coating, and e-coating. The company’s 85,000-square-foot facility provides comprehensive finishing services to automotive, industrial, and heavy equipment manufacturers.
Quaker City Plating Ltd. (Whittier, CA) – 240 employees
Operating since 1957, Quaker City Plating provides electroplating services for both metal and plastic substrates. Serving international markets, the company is a versatile provider that supports diverse industries with its finishing capabilities.
American Electro Products, Inc. (Waterbury, CT) – 220 employees
Founded in 1950, American Electro Products has built its reputation on precious metal plating. The company serves customers internationally, providing specialized electroplating services that ensure high performance in demanding applications such as electronics and medical devices.
Anoplate Corp. (Syracuse, NY) – 220 employees
Since 1960, Anoplate has provided a wide range of plating services, including anodizing, electroless nickel, electropolishing, black chrome, and conversion coatings. With 103,000 square feet of facility space, Anoplate is known for its technical expertise and rigorous quality systems, supporting customers nationwide.
Elm Plating Co. (Jackson, MI) – 210 employees
Founded in 1951, Elm Plating specializes in zinc barrel plating, anodizing, heat treating, and dip-spin coatings. The company also offers sorting and packaging services from its 100,000-square-foot facility. With TS16949 certification, Elm Plating supports automotive and industrial customers across the U.S.
IndustryNet’s Top Plating Suppliers in the U.S.
Beyond the industry’s largest players, there are hundreds of specialized suppliers across the U.S. delivering essential plating and finishing services to manufacturers. These companies range from full-service job shops with diverse capabilities to niche providers focused on precision, high-performance, or decorative finishes. Many are ISO-certified and serve demanding industries like aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics. Below is a look at some of the standout plating suppliers featured on IndustryNet.
Professional Plating Inc. (Brillion, WI)
Professional Plating is an ISO 9001:2015-registered company providing comprehensive metal finishing services. Known for quality and consistency, the company supports a wide range of industries with high-performance coatings and finishes.
Acme Surface Dynamics, Inc. (Alliance, OH)
Acme Surface Dynamics specializes in electropolishing and hard chrome plating. Their expertise lies in extending the lifespan of parts used in demanding environments, from industrial equipment to aerospace applications.
Guaranteed Finishing Unlimited, Inc. (Cleveland, OH)
With extensive barrel and rack zinc plating capabilities, Guaranteed Finishing Unlimited serves ornamental, commercial, and engineered product markets. Services also include baking, blasting, chromating, packaging, and trucking, offering end-to-end finishing solutions.

Silvex provides a diverse range of services, including electroplating, anodizing, electroless nickel, and precious metal plating such as silver and gold. The company also offers phosphate and black oxide treatments, making it a versatile partner across sectors.
Castle Metal Finishing Corp. (Schiller Park, IL)
Castle Metal Finishing offers zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel, and tin electroplating, as well as passivation, chemical filming, bright dipping, and hydrogen embrittlement relief. Their full-service approach makes them a go-to supplier for demanding projects.
Nova-Chrome, Inc. (Franklin Park, IL)
Nova-Chrome is focused on hard chrome electroplating, delivering durable coatings for industrial and commercial parts. Their work emphasizes precision, strength, and longevity.
Alexandria Metal Finishers (Lorton, VA)
Accredited under Nadcap and ISO 9001:2015, Alexandria Metal Finishers provides certified plating services to aerospace, defense, and industrial clients. Their compliance focus ensures reliability in highly regulated industries.
Craft Coating Inc. (Oshkosh, WI)
Craft Coating specializes in high-corrosion zinc plating, offering finishes like tri-yellow, tri-black, and tri-clear. They also provide high-temperature ceramic coatings, serving industries where protection and performance are critical.
Duro-Chrome Industries, Inc. (Wauconda, IL)
For over 30 years, Duro-Chrome has delivered reliable hard chrome plating and finishing services. Their experience spans multiple sectors, from heavy equipment to industrial tooling.
Hi-Tec Plating, Inc. (Statesville, NC)
Hi-Tec Plating provides advanced finishing solutions, including proprietary thin dense chrome (TDC-1®), electroless nickel, and traditional hard chrome. Their specialty finishes enhance durability and wear resistance in precision applications.
Paxos Plating, Inc. (Canton, OH)
Paxos Plating offers both rack and barrel plating processes, along with a wide range of post-finishing chromate coatings in clear, yellow, and black. Their ISO 9001:2015 certification ensures consistent, high-quality results.
Quality Plating, Inc. (Nashville, TN)
Quality Plating provides zinc, black oxide, and electroless nickel plating, as well as passivation services. Their offerings cover a wide range of industrial and commercial part finishing requirements.
Seminole Metal Finishing (Altamonte Springs, FL)
Specializing in electroless and bright nickel, zinc, black oxide, passivation, and dry film lubrication, Seminole Metal Finishing supports industries requiring both protective and functional finishes.
Technical Plating, Inc. (Brooklyn Park, MN)
Technical Plating focuses on electroless nickel, tin, and passivation services. Their capabilities support electronics, automotive, and industrial parts where precision and corrosion resistance are critical.
See all 700+ plating suppliers here.
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About This Data
MNI collects detailed information firsthand, making direct contact with each industrial company in the U.S to verify multiple data points about their business. While this data is used to power a variety of industrial solutions, it also yields key insights and statistics as a natural outcome of our hand-verified collection process.
This data forms the informational engine behind IndustrySelect, which offers real-time access to detailed company and executive profiles for sales, marketing, recruiting, and research. MNI data also powers IndustryNet, an industrial sourcing platform that connects buyers with industrial suppliers across thousands of product categories. Both platforms are designed to help professionals find accurate, up-to-date information for sales and business development, prospecting, and procurement.