5 Reasons Why Manufacturing is Easier in Iowa
Iowa has earned a reputation as a national leader in advanced manufacturing, with the third-highest concentration of manufacturing workers in the country. Iowa’s 4,100 manufacturers produce everything from food products and construction machinery to aerospace products and pharmaceuticals.
The industry generates $31 billion annually for the state’s economy, and manufacturing employment in Iowa has grown over the past 30 years, despite an overall decrease in manufacturing jobs across the U.S.
How are so many manufacturers finding success in Iowa?
- Supply Chain Management
- Environment Suited for Businesses Big and Small
- Programs in Place to Support Companies and Foster Growth
- State, Local, and Leadership Support
- Hardworking and Dedicated Individuals
Case Studies
- Chief Operating Officer, John Renning, said that his company took small steps that created big impacts for the company. Listen to his comments in this 30-second YouTube clip.
- Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), helps companies identify goals and build momentum, describes Michael O’Donnell, Associate Director at CIRAS in this 30-second YouTube clip.
- Skye Witherspoon said in this clip, "Ultimately when you ask business owners and manufacturing experts why they see success in Iowa, it comes down to one thing: the people."
Workforce Attraction and Retention
If you seek creative ideas to attract and retain people, consider these options:
- More flexible work schedules – moving away from historical shift work time frames
- Part-time hours
- Focus on Diversity
- Internship/apprenticeship programs through local community colleges https://www.iowamfg.com/workforce/
- Offering scholarships at local community colleges
Want more tips?
Read the October edition of the Business Record/ABI Made In Iowa Manufacturing magazine.