Applauding QC manufacturers during National Manufacturing Month

QC, that’s where manufacturing is the powerhouse that fuels our region’s economy. That’s where we are building on the legacy of John Deere, a global giant that remains rooted in the QC and the genesis for countless spinoffs and innovators. That’s where businesses are embracing advanced manufacturing technology and robotics, leading their companies and highly skilled workers into the future.

QC, that is where we celebrate our regional manufacturers this month for National Manufacturing Month and every month for the massive impact they make. The advanced metals and materials sector in the Quad Cities region is among the strongest in the nation. Agriculture companies are continuously innovating to feed the world, and their industry footprint is extraordinary.

“The highly successful food manufacturing sector is evident in the Quad Cities with its large number of human and pet food production companies and the strong ecosystem that supports them. I am proud of our region and the role it plays in feeding the world,” said Tami Petsche, a Chamber Vice President of Business & Economic Growth.

The Rock Island Arsenal is the backbone of the QC’s defense manufacturing sector, employing thousands of residents and pumping billions into our economy. Our region is flush with small and mid-sized manufacturers who are supporting companies and supply chains throughout the world.

“Manufacturing fuels economic growth by creating jobs and promoting innovation and productivity,” said Shawn Vincel, General Manager, Lincoln Electric Automation. The company designs, fabricates and manufactures robotic automation solutions with a focus on arc welding, assembly, and material handling.

“Although our products are used globally, the Quad Cities is an excellent central location offering a workforce that is highly skilled in manufacturing and a strong supply chain to provide materials we need to manufacture our automation solutions,” he said. “We are excited about continued growth as our broad portfolio of automation technologies are able to help our customers address their labor and capacity constraints. Lincoln Electric is targeting to achieve $1B in automation sales by 2025, and we’re a key driver of that growth,” Vincel said.

Chris Caves, a Chamber Vice President of Business & Economic Growth said QC manufacturers are aggressively finding ways to compete on regional, national and global markets. “Our manufacturers are expanding operations and adopting new technologies to increase outputs without depending on increased labor. They are demonstrating a ton of flexibility in retaining their skilled workforce by accommodating flexible schedules and work/life balance. They are welcoming a more diverse community into the manufacturing facilities with creative accommodations,” she said.

“Manufacturers certainly are challenged by the economy and workforce situation, but not one has taken their foot off the gas. This industry is committed to problem-solving and growth and the Quad Cities economy is benefiting from that momentum,” Caves added.

“Manufacturing is so important for the area we are in with the farming industry, glass industry and government contracts. I believe in supporting local, establishing relationships with companies to help grow each other,” said ESCP Corp. Owner Telly Skahill. The contract metal fabrication company manufactures component parts for John Deere, as well as glass racks, stamped parts and provides powder coat painting, and is growing.

"ESCP has tripled the employee count from 2020 to 2022 and as well exceeded sales from surviving to striving. As we go forward, we have goals set and work towards them one day at a time. Growth doesn't happen overnight; we look for ways to be more innovative to be efficient in production, make on-time delivery for our customers to keep the relationship and look for opportunities to expand our scope of work,” Skahill said.

QC, that’s where we applaud our manufacturers and highly skilled workers. It is where the Chamber forges and brings you partnerships – with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and Iowa Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) – that can provide resources and expertise. It is where we meet you on-site and connect you with local and national resources and referrals that will strengthen your operations, processes and promote continued growth.