The IPG Top 50

Despite the economy, more than half of the in-plants on the IPG Top 50 reported an increase in sales this year compared to 2001. This, combined with the 19 that dropped in sales, resulted in some reshuffling of the ranks.

Some of the most notable changes to this year's Top 50 are Best Buy, which jumped up 12 spots thanks to a big boost in sales, and Ace Hardware, the University of Oklahoma, the University of North Carolina and the University of Oregon, each of which moved up five ranks.

There was some movement in the other direction, as well. ING Americas, which entered the Top 50 at 49 two years ago, then sprang up to 10 last year after a company merger, settled in at 34 this year due to an internal redistribution of services. Cigna also moved down seven spots after combining the in-plants it was operating on each coast.

As we have for the past four years, IPG is once again presenting a look at the Top 50 in-plants in the country. To find out who they are, read on.