Improvements in manufacturing were the engine that drove the Industrial Revolution. Throughout each of the major stages of the era (textile, iron/coal/steam, and electricity/autos) improvements in this type of technology created increases in productivity, making a "larger slice of the pie" for everyone. Beginning with Eli Whitney's concept of interchangable parts, which originated in Hamden, Connecticut, through Henry Ford's 20th century assembly line, manufacturing has been the center of industrial growth. The inventions in this era are far too many to list; however, here are a few important names to consider.
The Thomas Edison Page-- holder of more patents than any other American, his many inventions were crucial to the economic growth of the Industrial Revolution
The Assembly Line-- invented by Henry Ford. The ultimate refinement of Whitney's earlier idea, it increased productivity by making people as interchangable as the parts they installed.
Vulcanized Rubber-- invented by Charles Goodyear
Plastics-- a recent invention-- when was this?
A Couple of Agricultural Inventions--
The McCormick Reaper-- invented by Charles McCormick, it had a huge impact on agricultural production around the world.
Improvements in the Iron Plow-- invented by John Deere