Manufacturing has long been a part of our economy and in our DNA. We are building on the legacy of John Deere, a global giant that remains deeply rooted in the Quad Cities and the genesis many local manufacturers and innovators. The Quad Cities area is home to multiple foundries with forging, casting and pattern-making expertise. It boasts a strong concentration of manufacturing technology integrators like ALM Positioners, Invio Automation, IPG Photonics and Lincoln Electric as well as flagship companies with a global footprint like 3M, Arconic, Eaton, HNI, KONE and Sterilite.
We support original equipment manufacturing (OEM) jobs along with a coordinated network of small and medium-sized companies representing the sophisticated supply chain and generational workforce expected of a major manufacturing region. Our strong work ethic and quality craftsmanship are primary reasons companies choose the QC.
The ag equipment manufacturing and food production sector in the QC offers unique advantages as the sphere possesses a range of businesses at every level of the value chain, which include farming inputs, specialized farming, food processing and manufacturing, and more. The region is home to one of the largest pioneers in the industry, John Deere, while also hosting other flagship organizations such as Archer Daniels Midland, Kent Corporation, Kraft Heinz, Nestle Purina and Tyson Fresh Meats.
Grow Quad Cities is one of four Illinois Defense Manufacturing Consortium (ILDMC) community members who share a grant to help local manufacturing companies and defense contractors grow. Through our Manufacturing Hub programs and services, we connect our industry partners to resources and incentives to help you gain a competitive advantage with civilian and government contracting opportunities. We want to uncover opportunities, promote best practices, support professional development and reinforce the organic industrial base in the Quad Cities.
Our outreach efforts are focused on identifying issues, supporting operational excellence, encouraging investment in innovative technologies and developing a workforce inclusive of underrepresented populations. Your manufacturing business can benefit from our access to a network of industry partners interested in research and development, prototyping, government contracting, education and training, centers of excellence and manufacturing extension partnerships to help you take your business to the next level.
“The skilled workforce here was one of the reasons we selected the Quad Cities. We look at many different factors when choosing a site, and the people here were a big part of that decision.”
