The economy of Butterworth is primarily driven by its industries and the maritime trade at the Port of Penang.
The Mak Mandin Industrial Estate forms the heart of Butterworth's manufacturing sector and is home to a number of major local firms, including Federal Oats Mills, Fujikura Federal Cables and Zenman Industries.
In addition, Butterworth has active steel and tin industries.
The former includes steel fabrication, and smaller businesses dealing with automotive parts and scrap metal.
The town's tin industry players include Malaysia Smelting Corporation, the world's second largest supplier of tin and a subsidiary of the Singapore-listed Straits Trading Company.

Meanwhile, the Port of Penang is the third busiest seaport in Malaysia, handling 1.52 million TEUs of container in 2017.
The Port's strategic location enabled it to service not just northern Malaysia, but also southern Thailand.
The economy of Butterworth is primarily driven by its industries and the maritime trade at the Port of Penang. The Mak Mandin Industrial Estate forms the heart of Butterworth's manufacturing sector and is home to a number of major local firms, including Federal Oats Mills, Fujikura Federal Cables and Zenman Industries. In addition, Butterworth has active steel and tin industries. The former includes steel fabrication, and smaller businesses dealing with automotive parts and scrap metal. The town's tin industry players include Malaysia Smelting Corporation, the world's second largest supplier of tin and a subsidiary of the Singapore-listed Straits Trading Company.
Meanwhile, the Port of Penang is the third busiest seaport in Malaysia, handling 1.52 million TEUs of container in 2017. The Port's strategic location enabled it to service not just northern Malaysia, but also southern Thailand.
Butterworth, Seberang Perai