Manufacturing
Greater Peoria has an extensive history in heavy metal manufacturing. Our regional workforce employed in the manufacturing industry is 24,500 people, which is 56% higher than the national average. The R&D and major component manufacturing for Caterpillar has taken place here as a result of the expertise and dedication of our workforce for over 100 years. And Caterpillar is not alone — many OEMs and suppliers find our region critical to their success in the industry. Our region is in the Foreign Trade Zone 114 which provides over two million square feet of warehousing and distribution space available for general-purpose zone usage and four subzone sites. This means your manufacturing business can access numerous benefits for certain overseas operations such as lower duties, cost avoidance, staging and showcasing capabilities, and assembly cost savings.
Greater Peoria’s history with manufacturing both developed and has been developed by a robust educational environment surrounding the industry. From the world-renowned engineering department at Bradley University to numerous programs at multiple colleges and technical schools, we know how to develop a skilled manufacturing workforce ready to take on industry challenges both today and into the future. Our manufacturing industry is the second largest employer in the region. Our workforce is skilled and trained for every manufacturing job in the region. Bradley University, Illinois Central College, and the Midwest Technical Institute-East Peoria are pillar institutions that train the region’s workforce in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, HVAC and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology, Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology among other certifications to meet the high demand for manufacturing jobs in the region.
In Greater Peoria, we have the shovel-ready sites perfect for your new manufacturing facility – and did we mention our property costs are lower than many other metros? For instance, a 100,000-square-foot warehouse space in Dallas, Texas will cost you $7.2 Million but only $4.1 Million in Peoria, Illinois. You save 43%! Construction is affordable too with basic building costs between $65-$75 per square foot. Another great advantage to choosing our mid-sized metro area as your home is our ability to work closely with you through the site selection process. Don’t become another number in a big city — come to Peoria where you will get personalized attention in a small city with big city amenities and a team dedicated to partner with you every step of the way.
Greater Peoria has a diverse manufacturing industry and is home to 356 manufacturing locations with over 21 different NAICS classifications. Our manufacturing companies and capabilities range from machinery to food manufacturing, biomedical manufacturing tochemical manufacturing, among others.
In addition to all the savings and incentives, as a manufacturer in Greater Peoria, you have the opportunity to work collaboratively with regional industry stakeholders to expand and diversify your customer base. We believe our region is stronger when we work together to improve business for everyone. The Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network is a membership program that boosts your marketing and sales efforts. From design and engineering to fabrication and transportation services, our network is a one-stop shop that attracts OEMs seeking a high-quality supply chain and streamlined solutions.
After manufacturing your quality goods utilizing a highly trained workforce, you are able to efficiently distribute throughout the world via our intermodal capabilities — by the river, air, road, and rail — and with the help of our well-established logistics and transportation industry.
Learn more about the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network and how they can help with your manufacturing needs.
If you want to learn more about our manufacturing industry and how we can help you move your business here, reach out to us today.
