QC, That’s Where manufacturers helped build our region & continue to evolve

QC, That’s Where manufacturing helped spark the emergence of our region and continues to build the foundation for our future. It’s where hundreds of manufacturers are creating our region’s legacy as a manufacturing hub while simultaneously creating products that fuel the global economy. Much of our region’s manufacturing prowess can be traced to John Deere, which has helped facilitate the growth of our region and many complementary companies, yet there are also hundreds of other unique manufacturers that call the Quad Cities home, each carving out their own legacy. 

QC, That's Where we celebrate our regional manufacturers during National Manufacturing Month and every month for the massive impact they have on our region. Today, there are around 15,540 people working in production occupations in the Quad Cities metro area according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That represents nearly 9% of jobs in our region, much higher than the national average of 6%. These workers support over 100 manufacturing companies in the area with at least 20 employees and several hundred more that employ less than 20. Together, these companies make up the region’s largest economic sector, accounting for 19% of the region’s GDP.

A commitment to innovation has long been a staple of manufacturing in the Quad Cities. This commitment has helped manufacturers evolve with the demands of changing times, and enabled companies like Sears Seating, based in Davenport, to be competitive in an ever-changing manufacturing landscape. Jim Sears, CEO, Sears Seating, illustrated how the company has changed its offerings in order to adapt to the times.

“Since our start in 1855, we’ve transformed from a regional saddlery company to a tent and awning manufacturer to one of the largest work vehicle seating companies in the world. Today, we remain committed to delivering industry-leading seating solutions that support the health and well-being of machine operators,” said Sears. 

From saddles to semi-trailer seating and much more, Sears illustrates how QC manufacturers are constantly innovating, a truth that is today rooted in the arrival of advanced manufacturing. The QC’s advanced manufacturing technology sphere is among the strongest in the nation and there’s great optimism about its future in our region. Chamber Director of Business Intelligence, Bill Polley, said that advanced manufacturing technology is a great opportunity to bring high-paying manufacturing jobs to the QC.

“This area of the country has always been centered on both agriculture and manufacturing, specifically agricultural-related manufacturing here in the Quad Cities. Today, the Quad Cities has advanced manufacturing, everything from 3D metal printing to advanced forms of welding, design and artificial intelligence, which will become more prevalent in the future. There are firms in our area that are involved in all of those things. Advanced manufacturing is a huge opportunity for the Quad Cities and a great opportunity for Quad Citizens to pursue good-paying manufacturing jobs. That's the future of manufacturing here,” said Polley.

John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline is implementing advanced manufacturing practices to evolve its operations, as it works to create some of the world’s largest harvesting combines. Jim Leach, Harvester Works Factory Manager, said that the factory is implementing a number of technological innovations to improve its processes. 

“As today’s technology advances we are bringing in new applications using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve safety, quality and efficiencies. The evolution of smart connected factories has become a core part of the business at Harvester Works,” said Leach. “Our vision for the future is that our factory will safely and efficiently build best-in-class harvesting solutions to feed the world and uplift our customers, our employees and the communities that we live and work in.”

Parr Instrument Company, headquartered in Moline, is similarly using advanced manufacturing techniques to create custom chemical reactors, pressure vessels, colorimeters and other laboratory instruments. Parr President Jim Nelson said their advanced manufacturing techniques enable Parr to leave its footprint all across the world. 

“Because we customize so much of our product for cutting-edge chemical research, we are in a constant state of innovation to meet our customer’s research requirements,” said Nelson. “The instruments we provide for industrial companies, universities and government research facilities around the world enable the development of everything from the clothes you wear and the car you drive to the food you eat and the medicine you need. From the energy that powers our economy to the space we explore and the country we defend, Parr has a hand in all of that.”

As advanced manufacturing enhances the scope of what can be accomplished in factories, it also significantly improves workplace safety as processes previously performed by people can now be conducted with machines. Chris Caves, Chamber Vice President of Business & Economic Growth, said that these advances in technology and safety are what will attract young skilled people towards manufacturing careers. 

“The sky's the limit right now for manufacturing in the Quad Cities. Our manufacturers are clean and their standards for safety have never been better. I think that should be a message of inspiration to younger generations considering a career in manufacturing. This is a great place for curious young people to bring their creativity and inspiration into the modern manufacturing workforce. I'm very optimistic about the future of regional manufacturing,” said Caves.

Kraft Heinz Company in Davenport, which produces lunchmeat among other products, is one of these companies placing a strong focus on improving safety standards. Plant Manager Sarah Organ said that Kraft Heinz's commitment to innovation stems from its focus on people and the community.

“We are focused on utilizing new technology to improve our process and continually enhance the safety of our employees and the quality of our products,” said Organ. “We strive to continuously improve in everything that we do with a focus on our people and our community.”

Dozens of food manufacturers like Kraft Heinz play a vital role in our economic landscape, from human food and pet food to plant-derived products, there’s great diversity among the types of manufacturers that call the Quad Cities home. 

“The Quad Cities has a robust ag innovation and food manufacturing sector with numerous food production companies. The food produced here helps nourish the people and animals of the world and illustrates the global impact that the region has, and that should be a strong point of pride for all who call the Quad Cities home,” said Tami Petsche, Chamber Vice President of Business & Economic Growth.

Companies like Kraft Heinz and Nestlé Purina showcase the diversity of manufacturing types in the Quad Cities. Quad Citizens may not have been aware, but Nestlé Purina Davenport is one of the largest pet food manufacturing plants in the United States. With great size comes great responsibility, and doing its part to promote environmental sustainability is a key focus for Nestlé Purina.

“Our aim is to continue to produce large volumes of nutritious, quality pet food to meet customer demand. Looking forward, as part of Nestlé Purina, we’re undertaking a commitment to environmental sustainability. By 2025, we’re committed to 95% of all Nestlé packaging to be designed for recycling and reducing the use of newly made plastic by one-third," said Factor Manager Eric Dobson.

All of the companies mentioned thus far have long been established in the Quad Cities, but new industries are emerging in the Quad Cities, and so too are new companies. Green Thumb Industries in Rock Island, a cannabis product manufacturer, is one of the newest manufacturers to our region, choosing the QC for the opportunity to utilize our skilled workforce and drive economic growth in the area.

Manufacturing is the industry that helped build the Quad Cities in the past and undoubtedly will play a key role in our future, as new technologies and industries come to engage our generational workforce and work alongside leading manufacturing companies.

“Manufacturing is very much the foundational framework for the Quad Cities region. We have a very important position on the global stage to hone our craft and to leverage our skills from generations of manufacturing to build new products, apply those skills to new markets and advance our position on the global stage,” said Caves.

QC, That’s Where we applaud our manufacturers and highly skilled workers. It is where the Quad Cities Chamber's Manufacturing Hub 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 and processes and promote continued growth.