2026 Thomasnet Sourcing Showdown

2026 Sourcing Showdown


We analyzed sourcing data to identify the top 16 most-searched categories on Thomas. 

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The most-searched categories

Electric Wire & Cable Assemblies

Electric Wire & Cable Assemblies

Discover suppliers offering electric wire, cable, and custom cable assemblies used in electronics, power distribution, industrial equipment, and automation systems.

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Steel

Steel

Explore suppliers offering a wide range of steel materials used in manufacturing, construction, automotive, and infrastructure applications.

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Packaging Materials

Packaging Materials

Find suppliers offering packaging materials designed to protect, store, and ship products safely — including corrugated boxes, cushioning materials, films, and specialty protective packaging.

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Metal Fabrication Services

Metal Fabrication Services

Connect with suppliers offering custom metal fabrication services including cutting, forming, welding, and assembly for industrial components and finished products.

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Packaging Services

Packaging Services

Explore suppliers offering packaging services such as contract packaging, labeling, product assembly, and fulfillment solutions for industrial and commercial products.

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Automation Systems

Automation Systems

Connect with suppliers offering automation systems including robotics, sensors, and integrated control solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and operational reliability.

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Coating Services

Coating Services

Discover suppliers offering coating services such as powder coating, plating, finishing, and specialty surface treatments that improve durability, corrosion resistance, and product performance.

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Valves

Valves

Find suppliers offering valves designed to control the flow of liquids, gases, and other materials in industrial systems across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and water treatment.

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Contract & Private Label Personal Care Manufacturing

Contract & Private Label Personal Care Manufacturing

Connect with manufacturers offering contract and private label production of personal care products, including skincare, cosmetics, and hygiene solutions.

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Casting Services

Casting Services

Explore suppliers specializing in metal casting processes such as sand casting, die casting, and investment casting for custom components and production runs.

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Chemicals

Chemicals

Find suppliers offering industrial chemicals used across manufacturing, processing, and product formulation — including raw materials, solvents, and specialty chemical compounds.

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Metallic Tubes & Tubing

Metallic Tubes & Tubing

Discover suppliers offering metallic tubes and tubing used in structural, mechanical, and fluid transfer applications across manufacturing, construction, and energy industries.

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Machining

Machining

Connect with suppliers offering precision machining services including CNC milling, turning, drilling, and finishing for custom parts and production components.

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Machinery

Machinery

Find suppliers offering industrial machinery and equipment used to support manufacturing operations, processing, assembly, and production efficiency.

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Fabrics & Cloths

Fabrics & Cloths

Discover suppliers offering industrial fabrics and cloth materials used in manufacturing, filtration, protective equipment, upholstery, and specialty textile applications.

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Circuit Board Assembly Services

Circuit Board Assembly Services

Connect with suppliers offering printed circuit board (PCB) assembly services for electronics, industrial equipment, and advanced technology applications.

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Start Your Search With Thomas

Want to get even more out of your searches? This quick guide walks you through how to start searching smarter, so you can quickly and easily find suppliers that best suit your needs.

Meet the Categories Behind the Scenes

Every great tournament isn’t just about the teams on the court—it’s about everything behind the scenes that makes the event a success. From stadium lighting to concession stands, the right sourcing categories keep the action going, the fans engaged, and the game running smoothly.

Below are some of the key manufacturing categories that power every basketball tournament, from the court to the stands and beyond.