Manufacturing
Here’s why manufacturing companies of all sizes have found our region to be an excellent fit.
Superior central location
1-hour access to:
Quad Cities (IL/IA)
Rockford
2-hour access to:
Chicago
Madison, WI
Cedar Rapids, IA
Peoria, IL
Iowa City/Dubuque (IA)
Affordable, desirable sites
- Close to interstate
- Large parcels available
- Existing and shovel-ready sites
- Costs average $1-$3 less per square foot than in nearby areas
Access to intermodal transportation networks
- Interstate, rail, air and water access
- Within 45 minutes of two intermodal hubs
Skilled labor force—and lower labor costs
- Extensive manufacturing experience
- Excellent work ethic
- Wages typically lower than in metro areas
- Broad variety of training programs available to quickly bring workers up to speed
Business- and employee-friendly
- Pro-active approach to meeting business needs
- Pro-business incentive programs and tax abatements
- Affordable cost of living
- High quality of life
- The benefits of small city living with access to big city amenities
Top Industry Employers Include:
|
Company |
Product/Service |
Employees |
|
Wahl Clipper Corporation |
Personal care appliances |
700 |
|
Stanley National Hardware |
Builders’ hardware |
500 |
|
Drives, Inc. |
Steel chain |
500 |
|
Sterling Steel, LLC |
Steel rod |
300 |
|
General Electric |
Appliance controls |
150 |
|
Frantz Manufacturing Company |
Steel bearings, carbon steel balls |
125 |
|
Tyco Valves/Flow Control (Penberthy) |
Liquid level gauges |
102 |
|
Astec Mobile Screens |
Heavy equipment |
100 |
Spotlight
on the Sterling Small Business Technology Center
Helping small businesses succeed
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov), small businesses are critical to the health and success of the U.S. economy.