Advanced manufacturing is a major driver of the Iowa economy. It is Iowa’s largest industry, contributing $26.1 billion annually to the state’s economy in 2006. More than 6,100 manufacturers employ over 230,000 Iowans. The industry sector represents 21 percent of Iowa’s Gross State Product. In 2006, Iowa exported $7.83 billion in manufactured goods.
Iowa’s top-performing industry divisions hold a pre-eminent position in the United States. Industrial metal processing, automation precision machinery, environmental control systems, digital and electronic devices, and power-generation equipment are highly specialized, surpassing the national trend. Other key industries include:
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Aerospace and defense
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Industrial chemicals
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Construction components
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Commercial and industrial motor vehicles
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Food and food ingredients
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Printing and packaging
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Drugs and medical devices
Some of the world’s leading companies manufacture in Iowa, reinforcing the state’s position as a center for Advanced Manufacturing: Alcoa, Rockwell Collins, Siemens Windpower, Mahle, Sauer Danfoss, CNH, Siemens Energy & Automation, Alfa Gomma, NSK Corporation, John Deere, Fisher Controls, IPSCO, Sears Manufacturing, Schneider Electric, Winnebago, Eaton Corp., Bandag,
Iowa Strengths for Manufacturing:
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Quality of workforce
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Geographic location
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Presence of national and multinational Advanced Manufacturing firms
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Family-friendly environment
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High-quality and responsive community college system
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Tradition of inter-firm collaboration
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History of invention and product innovation
Please see the Iowa Business Sphere Volume 18, No. 3 for more information.