Aerospace and defense has a lengthy legacy in the business community of the Quad Cities. The Rock Island Arsenal is the heart of our thriving defense industry, a QC sector that has an essential, worldwide impact. Arsenal Island is home to more than 70 Department of Defense organizations, which are further supplied and supported by strong manufacturers throughout our region. It houses the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC), the Department of Defense’s only vertically integrated manufacturing operation. Also located on the Arsenal U.S. Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and headquarters for the First Army.
The Quad Cities is home to companies such as Arconic, Eaton, LMT Defense, Rock River Arms and Springfield Armory. It’s also home to Astro America, offering the world’s largest metal additive 3D printer.
The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) is a Quad Cities Chamber-affiliated nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Rock Island Arsenal and strengthening the Quad Cities defense industry. Working with Arsenal leadership, regional stakeholders and the congressional delegation, RIADA advocates for policies, investments and initiatives that support the Arsenal’s missions, workforce and long-term economic impact.
RIADA serves as a bridge between military, government and community leaders, helping identify opportunities and address challenges affecting organizations based at the Arsenal. The organization also works to enhance the region’s defense-industrial capabilities, support existing defense-related employers and attract new defense-sector investment to the Quad Cities.
Through its advocacy efforts, RIADA has helped advance federal investments, workforce growth, infrastructure utilization and emerging manufacturing initiatives that support the Arsenal’s continued role in national defense. The organization’s ongoing priorities include fostering collaboration between military and community leaders, promoting awareness of the Arsenal’s strategic importance, strengthening the regional defense industry and attracting defense contractors and related business opportunities to the Quad Cities.
Pit 10 will produce high-performance alloys for aerospace and represents growth and long-term commitment to the region. “It’s a reflection of where we’ve been over the past 80 years. We’re very proud of our heritage, our legacy. It’s a commitment to innovation, to the customer, to the community and also to the future of Davenport Works.”
