Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing

Companies in this industry manufacture computer printers, monitors, keyboards, mice, and webcams, as well as ATMs, self-service kiosks, point-of-sale terminals, and biometric readers. Major companies in the US include Diebold Nixdorf, HP, and NCR; as well as Brother, Canon, and Epson (all based in Japan); and Logitech (Switzerland).

The computer peripheral manufacturing industry revenue reached about $410 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% from 2024 to 2031 period, according to the Cognitive Market Research.

The computer peripheral equipment manufacturing industry in the US includes about 600 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $7 billion. Storage devices for computers, which are not included in the industry, are covered in the Data Storage Systems Manufacturing industry profile.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by consumer and government spending, as well as capital spending by businesses. The profitability of individual companies depends on technological innovation, anticipating customer requirements, and delivering consistent product quality. Large companies compete by staffing large, international direct sales forces, and their ability to form strategic alliances with large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and major distributors. Small companies can compete effectively by developing innovative technologies. The US industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 80% of revenue.



PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products include computer printers, monitors, webcams, ATMs, and self-service kiosks (such as airline flight check-in machinery). Additional products include computer keyboards and mice, point-of-sale terminals, and biometric readers (such as fingerprint or iris readers). A wide range of end-users, from individual consumers to private businesses and government entities, use the industry's products.

Companies in this industry manufacture, market, and service a wide range of products that either integrate directly with computers, such as keyboards, mice, and printers, or integrate with larger "enterprise" computer and network systems that may be distributed over multiple locations, such as ATMs or airline check-in kiosks. Depending on the company's size, production may consist of multiple global manufacturing facilities, with some firms relying heavily on a manufacturing presence in Asia.

The industry depends on its so-called "installed base" of products so that it can continue to supply replacement parts and consumables for many years to come. Once computer printers, for example, are installed in businesses and homes, consumers must continue to purchase printer ink cartridges and other supplies to keep them operating.

Companies may use continuing profits from the sale of consumables and services to fuel R&D costs, which are the lifeblood of the industry; companies generate many of their new products through proprietary R&D activities. It is not uncommon for R&D expenditures to increase 10% from one year to the next. In part due to the amount spent on R&D, patent protection is a major component of many firms' operations; printer manufacturer Lexmark holds more than 2,000 patents worldwide. Companies also seek patents in foreign countries that are typically based off of US patents.

Large companies use raw materials such as aluminum, chemicals, and plastic resins to manufacture products. Some companies also rely on third parties to supply complex components, such as microchips or software, for the operation of their products. For example, NCR relies on Intel for computer chips and Microsoft for software components. Show more