QC, That’s Where generations of manufacturers thrive

Ag manufacturing has long been a part of the Quad Cities’ economy and is part of our identity. Over 1,200 manufacturers from all industry sectors call the QC home – and we continue to build on the legacy of local giants like Deere & Company.

Manufacturers have been thriving in the QC for generations, and the reasons are no surprise - proximity to food commodities, raw materials and an abundant water supply – not to mention access to 3 major interstates, rail, barge and air transportation.

“Being in the Quad Cities for nearly 40 years has allowed us to grow, expand and thrive where we were planted,” said Karl Swanson, President of PCT Ebeam and Integration, located in Davenport.

And although PCT’s roots are here, they have been exporting equipment to manufacturers globally, specifically in Germany, since the early 2000s. PCT recently partnered with German company, E-Vita GmbH, which was interested in expanding in the U.S. ag market. Specializing in disinfecting seeds, E-Vita was seeking an environmentally friendly alternative to fungicide treatment - electron beam technology - which PCT specializes in.

“It was pretty easy to emphasize to E-Vita our enthusiasm for this project - the fact that we are literally next to a cornfield and they were looking to engage in the ag industry in the U.S. - made this a really good fit,” said Swanson. PCT will serve as E-Vita’s equipment partner, providing them with commercial-ready versions of E-beam equipment. “Strategically our best path forward has always been to embrace things that are new and different and require engineering to pull them off, allowing us to expand the applications for what we're offering,” he added.

Like Swanson, Ryan Burchett, CFO of Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire, mentioned that his company’s proximity to local crops was a benefit to him as well. He uses locally sourced grains for his small batch spirits, including corn grown just 3 miles from his distillery – part of their allure is that all of their ingredients are sourced by local farmers.

“We’re really proud to be an agri-tourism destination here in LeClaire,” said Burchett. “Many craft distilleries pop up in rural areas because of access to locally grown crops and resources – ‘local’ became our story early in the process,” he said.

The family-owned and operated company was founded in 2010, and what began as a small business has grown into a nationally known craft distillery offering vodka, gin, liqueurs and other artisan spirits. They distribute all over the U.S. and internationally in Australia, Canada, Germany and New Zealand.

Burchett said that another positive aspect of being in the Quad Cities is access to resources that keep his still up and running. “If I have a breakdown in a pump or motor, I can find a Quad Cities company to immediately fix it – having those resources has been a real advantage.”

Global and local seem to run concurrently in our region, and Agrisolutions in Rock Island is another example of a local manufacturer with worldwide ties.  

A manufacturer of components for ag equipment – primarily disc blades and assemblies – the company supplies parts to John Deere operations across the globe. In 2020, the company earned recognition as a Partner-level supplier and was inducted into Deere’s Supplier Hall of Fame. The Partner-level status is Deere’s highest supplier rating.

“Agrisolutions is a worldwide leader in the ag and tillage market and has been for over 100 years,” said Jason Cox, Plant Manager. “The decision to add a manufacturing facility here in the Quad Cities in 2008 was a very easy decision and was based on local industry, the strong and diverse workforce, the proximity to one of our larger customers and all the support the company has received from the local governments and businesses.”

Cox says the Rock Island facility employs around 100 people and continues to add manufacturing capabilities that are needed and in demand not only locally – but in other global markets as well.

In essence, the Quad Cities stand as a vibrant hub where local and global manufacturing endeavors converge. The region's rich agricultural heritage and forward-thinking spirit continue to drive economic growth and innovation, ensuring that the Quad Cities will remain a vital player in the agricultural manufacturing landscape for generations to come.