Ever wondered how companies sell to other companies? Dive into these real-world b2b examples that reveal the strategies, industries, and innovations shaping modern business.
B2B Examples in Manufacturing and Supply Chain
One of the most traditional yet vital sectors for b2b examples is manufacturing and supply chain operations. In this space, businesses rely heavily on other businesses to source raw materials, components, and machinery necessary for production. These relationships are often long-term, contract-based, and built on trust, quality assurance, and scalability.
Automotive Parts Suppliers
A classic example of B2B in manufacturing is the relationship between automotive manufacturers and their parts suppliers. Companies like Bosch, Magna International, and Denso supply critical components such as engines, braking systems, and electronic control units to carmakers like Toyota, Ford, and BMW.
- Bosch provides advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to multiple OEMs.
- Magna supplies entire vehicle sub-assemblies, reducing production complexity for automakers.
- These partnerships often involve joint R&D and co-engineering efforts.
This ecosystem exemplifies how deep integration between B2B partners can drive innovation and efficiency. According to McKinsey, over 70% of automotive innovation now comes from suppliers rather than original equipment manufacturers.
Industrial Equipment Providers
Another key area of b2b examples includes industrial machinery providers like Siemens, General Electric (GE), and Caterpillar. These companies sell heavy-duty equipment—such as turbines, construction machinery, and automation systems—to factories, energy plants, and infrastructure developers.
- Siemens sells smart factory solutions to manufacturers aiming for Industry 4.0 transformation.
- GE Renewable Energy provides wind turbines to utility companies building green energy grids.
- Caterpillar offers mining and excavation equipment to large-scale construction firms.
“The future of industrial growth lies not in standalone machines, but in connected, data-driven ecosystems.” — Siemens Annual Report 2023
These transactions are typically high-value, involve complex procurement cycles, and require extensive technical support. The B2B model here emphasizes service contracts, maintenance agreements, and lifecycle management, making it a prime example of value-added business selling.
B2B Examples in Technology and SaaS
The digital revolution has supercharged B2B interactions, especially in the technology and software-as-a-service (SaaS) sectors. Today, some of the most influential b2b examples come from companies delivering cloud platforms, enterprise software, and digital infrastructure to other businesses.
Cloud Infrastructure Providers
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are foundational players in modern B2B tech. They provide scalable computing power, data storage, and AI tools to thousands of enterprises worldwide.
- AWS powers Netflix’s streaming infrastructure and supports Airbnb’s global booking system.
- Microsoft Azure integrates seamlessly with Office 365, making it a go-to for corporate IT departments.
- Google Cloud leverages AI and machine learning tools to help retailers optimize supply chains.
These platforms operate on subscription models, often with tiered pricing based on usage. Their success lies in enabling other businesses to scale without investing in physical servers or IT overhead. As noted by Gartner, global public cloud spending is projected to hit $679 billion in 2024, underscoring the massive B2B demand for cloud services.
Enterprise Software Solutions
Companies like Salesforce, Oracle, and SAP dominate the enterprise software space with CRM, ERP, and HR management systems tailored for large organizations.
- Salesforce offers customer relationship management (CRM) tools used by sales teams across industries.
- Oracle’s database and ERP systems power financial operations for Fortune 500 companies.
- SAP’s integrated business suite helps manufacturers manage logistics, inventory, and finance.
These platforms are often customized, require extensive onboarding, and involve long-term licensing agreements. Their impact on operational efficiency makes them indispensable in today’s corporate world. For instance, a study by IDC found that organizations using SAP S/4HANA reported a 23% improvement in process efficiency within two years.
B2B Examples in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
The healthcare industry is rich with b2b examples, where medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical suppliers, and diagnostic labs serve hospitals, clinics, and research institutions. These relationships are highly regulated, require compliance with health standards, and often involve lengthy approval processes.
Medical Device Manufacturers
Companies like Medtronic, Philips Healthcare, and Stryker design and sell advanced medical equipment such as MRI machines, pacemakers, and surgical robots to healthcare providers.
- Medtronic supplies insulin pumps and cardiac monitors to diabetes and heart disease clinics.
- Philips offers telehealth platforms and imaging systems to remote care providers.
- Stryker’s Mako robotic-arm systems assist orthopedic surgeons in joint replacement procedures.
These B2B sales are not just about hardware; they include training, software updates, and service contracts. The integration of AI and IoT in medical devices has further deepened the B2B relationship, turning simple equipment sales into ongoing digital partnerships.
Pharmaceutical Supply Chains
Drug development and distribution involve multiple B2B layers. From raw chemical suppliers to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and wholesale distributors, the pharma supply chain is a complex network of interdependent businesses.
- Catalent and Lonza produce biologics and vaccines under contract for major pharma firms.
- AmerisourceBergen and McKesson distribute medications to pharmacies and hospitals.
- Raw material suppliers like Merck KGaA provide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
“Over 60% of new drugs are now manufactured by third-party CMOs.” — Deloitte Center for Health Solutions
This shift toward outsourcing allows pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson to focus on R&D while relying on specialized B2B partners for production and logistics. The pandemic highlighted the importance of resilient B2B supply chains in ensuring global access to medicines.
B2B Examples in Agriculture and Food Production
Beyond tech and manufacturing, agriculture is another sector teeming with b2b examples. From seed suppliers to food processors, businesses in this industry depend on each other to bring products from farm to table.
Agri-Tech and Seed Suppliers
Companies like Bayer CropScience (formerly Monsanto), Corteva Agriscience, and Syngenta supply genetically modified seeds, pesticides, and digital farming tools to commercial farmers and agribusinesses.
- Bayer’s Climate FieldView platform provides data analytics for crop yield optimization.
- Corteva offers drought-resistant corn and soybean varieties to large-scale farms.
- Syngenta’s crop protection products help farmers reduce pest damage and increase output.
These B2B relationships are critical for food security and sustainable farming. With climate change affecting crop yields, the demand for precision agriculture tools is growing rapidly. According to FAO, digital agriculture could increase global crop productivity by up to 70% by 2050.
Food Processing and Distribution
After harvest, raw agricultural products move into processing facilities operated by companies like Tyson Foods, Nestlé Professional, and Sysco Corporation—key players in B2B food supply.
- Sysco supplies fresh produce, meat, and pantry items to restaurants, hotels, and schools.
- Nestlé Professional provides bulk coffee, dairy, and confectionery products to commercial kitchens.
- Tyson sells packaged chicken and beef products to grocery chains and foodservice providers.
These companies act as intermediaries between farms and end-user businesses, ensuring consistent quality, safety, and delivery. Their logistics networks are massive, often spanning continents, and rely on advanced inventory management systems to minimize waste and maximize freshness.
B2B Examples in Energy and Utilities
The energy sector is another powerhouse of b2b examples, where companies supply electricity, fuel, and renewable solutions to industrial, commercial, and municipal clients. These transactions are often governed by long-term contracts and regulatory frameworks.
Renewable Energy Providers
Firms like NextEra Energy, Ørsted, and Vestas Wind Systems sell clean energy solutions to corporations aiming to meet ESG goals and reduce carbon footprints.
- NextEra supplies solar and wind power to tech giants like Google and Amazon through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Ørsted develops offshore wind farms and sells energy to European utilities.
- Vestas manufactures wind turbines sold to energy developers and governments.
These B2B arrangements are crucial for the global transition to sustainable energy. PPAs, in particular, have become a popular model, allowing businesses to lock in energy prices and support green initiatives without upfront infrastructure costs.
Oil and Gas Equipment Suppliers
Despite the shift toward renewables, traditional energy sectors still rely heavily on B2B relationships. Companies like Schlumberger, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes provide drilling equipment, reservoir analysis, and field services to oil and gas operators.
- Schlumberger offers digital oilfield solutions that optimize extraction efficiency.
- Halliburton provides hydraulic fracturing (fracking) services to shale producers.
- Baker Hughes delivers turbomachinery and compression systems for natural gas processing.
These services are highly technical, often involving proprietary technology and on-site engineering teams. While facing pressure from environmental regulations, these B2B players continue to innovate, with many now expanding into carbon capture and hydrogen technologies.
B2B Examples in Logistics and Transportation
Efficient movement of goods is the backbone of global commerce, and logistics companies are central to countless b2b examples. From freight forwarders to last-mile delivery providers, these firms enable trade between businesses across borders.
Courier and Freight Services
Companies like FedEx, DHL, and UPS offer specialized B2B logistics solutions, including express shipping, freight forwarding, and supply chain management.
- FedEx Supply Chain provides warehousing and distribution services to retailers and manufacturers.
- DHL Global Forwarding handles air, sea, and road freight for multinational corporations.
- UPS Healthcare offers temperature-controlled shipping for pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
These services are mission-critical for businesses that rely on just-in-time inventory or global sourcing. During the pandemic, DHL reported a 30% increase in B2B express shipments, highlighting the growing dependence on reliable logistics partners.
Fleet Management and Telematics
Emerging B2B players like Samsara, Geotab, and KeepTruckin provide digital fleet management platforms that help companies monitor vehicle performance, driver behavior, and fuel efficiency.
- Samsara’s AI-powered dashcams reduce accidents and improve compliance.
- Geotab integrates with existing vehicle systems to deliver real-time diagnostics.
- KeepTruckin offers electronic logging devices (ELDs) required by U.S. regulations.
“Telematics can reduce fleet operating costs by up to 15%.” — Frost & Sullivan Research
These SaaS-based tools transform traditional transportation into a data-driven operation, offering measurable ROI for logistics-dependent businesses.
B2B Examples in Professional Services and Consulting
Not all b2b examples involve physical products. The professional services sector—including consulting, legal, accounting, and marketing agencies—thrives on B2B relationships where expertise is the primary offering.
Management Consulting Firms
Firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain & Company advise corporations on strategy, operations, and digital transformation.
- McKinsey helps Fortune 500 companies restructure for profitability.
- BCG guides firms in adopting AI and automation at scale.
- Bain supports private equity firms in due diligence and portfolio optimization.
These engagements are typically project-based, high-cost, and outcome-driven. The value lies in insights, frameworks, and implementation support that internal teams may lack.
Digital Marketing Agencies
Agencies like WPP, Omnicom Group, and Publicis Sapient provide B2B marketing services, including SEO, content strategy, and lead generation campaigns.
- WPP’s B2B arm creates targeted ad campaigns for tech and industrial clients.
- Omnicom helps manufacturers build brand awareness in competitive markets.
- Publicis Sapient designs digital experiences for enterprise software buyers.
With the rise of account-based marketing (ABM), these agencies now use data analytics and AI to personalize outreach at scale. According to Marketing Dive, over 80% of B2B marketers now use ABM strategies, often in partnership with external agencies.
What are b2b examples?
B2B examples are real-world cases where one business sells products or services to another business. Common instances include software companies selling to enterprises, manufacturers sourcing raw materials, and logistics firms transporting goods for retailers.
Why are b2b examples important for learning?
Studying b2b examples helps entrepreneurs and marketers understand successful business models, sales cycles, and partnership strategies. They reveal how value is created, delivered, and sustained in professional markets.
What industries have the most b2b examples?
Industries like technology, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics are rich with b2b examples due to their reliance on supply chains, specialized equipment, and service-based relationships.
How do b2b examples differ from b2c?
B2B examples involve longer sales cycles, higher transaction values, and decision-making by multiple stakeholders, unlike B2C, which targets individual consumers with simpler, emotion-driven purchases.
Can small businesses benefit from b2b examples?
Absolutely. Small businesses can learn from b2b examples to improve their sales strategies, build better supplier relationships, and adopt scalable technologies used by larger firms.
From manufacturing giants to agile SaaS startups, the world of b2b examples is vast and dynamic. These real-world cases illustrate how businesses collaborate, innovate, and grow by serving each other’s needs. Whether it’s a cloud platform enabling remote work or a logistics network keeping shelves stocked, B2B relationships are the invisible engine of the global economy. Understanding these examples isn’t just informative—it’s essential for anyone looking to build, scale, or optimize a business in today’s interconnected marketplace.
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