QC, That's Where we are leading and advancing five targeted industries, creating economic development opportunities that tie our historic successes to businesses seeking new opportunities. Local becomes global here, a goal achieved by our powerful workforce who contribute to our healthy and growing economy.
Advanced metals & materials manufacturing
Manufacturing is one of the Quad Cities' largest sectors, offering a range of competitive advantages for the advanced metals and material manufacturing sector. Manufactured goods were the QC’s largest exports in 2021, with primary metal manufacturing exports of $2.98 billion and chemical manufacturing of $2.12 billion. The sector possesses a strong concentration of manufacturing technology integrators like ALM Positioners, Eckhart, IPG Photonics and Lincoln Electric. The region is home to multiple foundries with forging, casting and pattern making expertise. Flagship companies with a global footprint like 3M, Arconic, Eaton, KONE and Sterilite demonstrate reach and expertise. The manufacturing sector represents more than 17% of jobs in the Quad Cities.
Agricultural innovation – agricultural equipment manufacturing & food production
The ag equipment manufacturing and food production sector in the QC offers unique advantages as the sphere possesses a range of businesses at every level of the value chain, which include farming inputs, specialized farming, food processing and manufacturing and more. The region is home to one of the largest pioneers in the industry, John Deere, while also hosting other flagship organizations such as Archer Daniels Midland, Kent Corporation, Kraft Heinz, Nestle Purina and Tyson Fresh Meats.
Logistics
The logistics sector in the Quad Cities provides immense infrastructure and operations support to other key sectors. Strong transport infrastructure provides easy access to both national and international markets, allowing efficient transportation at low costs. Our location in the heart and crossroads of America is a major advantage in warehousing and the distribution of goods and products. We hold the transportation infrastructure to seamlessly feed your supply chain and move your products. Just ask Alter Logistics, Amazon, Dohrn Transfer, Group O or XPAC.
Corporate operations & support services
Businesses are claiming their stake in the Quad Cities, building global corporate headquarters, customer support and back-office operations, including HNI, IMEG, Lee Enterprises, Modern Woodmen and Von Maur. There are also, several multinational enterprises that have invested in the region and leveraged the local talent to support their growth and success.
Defense
The Rock Island Arsenal is the heart of our thriving defense industry, a QC sector that has an essential, worldwide impact. It 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 are the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command (JMC), U.S. Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and headquarters for the First Army. As home to the world’s largest metal additive 3D printer, new investment from OEMs and global defense contractors is expected.
