ThomasNet

ThomasNet is an American online platform that serves as a comprehensive directory and sourcing tool for industrial products and services. It helps engineers, procurement professionals, and other buyers discover manufacturers, distributors, and service providers across a broad range of industries. The site offers searchable company profiles, product catalogs, capabilities, certifications, and data such as CAD drawings and spec sheets, along with tools to request quotes and manage supplier interactions.

ThomasNet traces its roots to the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers, a print directory first published in 1898. The digital platform, ThomasNet.com, was developed to extend the reference work into online supplier discovery, sourcing, and market intelligence, with ongoing expansion of content and search features in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Key features include a searchable supplier directory, product and capability filters, and supplier profiles with contact details and certifications. Procurement tools allow users to post requests for quotes and manage RFQs, while design resources and industry news assist in product development and supplier evaluation.

ThomasNet serves manufacturers, engineers, and procurement professionals across sectors such as automation, electrical, metals, plastics, machinery, and MRO. While primarily used by North American buyers, the service includes suppliers with global reach, offering a platform for lead generation and supplier discovery.

The business model centers on supplier listings and lead generation. Many suppliers maintain basic profiles at no charge, with additional or premium features offered to vendors through paid plans. ThomasNet is operated by Thomas Publishing Company, a long-established information provider in the industrial sector.