In this video celebrating October’s Manufacturing Month, top company leaders share why Illinois is the premier business destination for manufacturing.
In the heart of America’s industrial belt, Illinois charts a new course for the future of manufacturing. From legacy steelmakers to cutting-edge aerospace and defense suppliers, companies in Illinois are defining how—and where—things are made.
A Foundation Built on Strength
Illinois has always been a manufacturing powerhouse. Today, it remains a top-5 manufacturing state in the U.S., contributing over $130 billion annually to Illinois’ GDP. That success is backed by more than 16,800 manufacturers employing over 480,000 skilled people, with concentrations in primary metal and fabricated metal product manufacturing, boasting an upstream metal manufacturing workforce 67% more concentrated than the national average.
This robust base is evolving alongside the sector, which is increasingly technology-driven. With dedicated infrastructure, specialized talent, and industry-focused workforce training, Illinois is redefining manufacturing for the 21st century—and on.
Illinois Central College (ICC) President and Illinois EDC Board Member Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey shares how community colleges are driving the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow.
Aerospace and Defense: Ascending From Illinois
Illinois is rapidly gaining altitude (and interest) as a premier location for aerospace and defense manufacturers, supported by excellent research institutions. Illinois boasts 18,800 businesses in the aerospace and defense cluster, which employ nearly 240,000 people (ranking top 10 in the U.S.), plus access to a talent pipeline with advanced STEM credentials—making it a natural fit for companies serving national security and next-generation aviation needs.
Skilled and Ready Talent
What powers Illinois’ manufacturing growth is its people. Illinois is a top-5 state for largest manufacturing workforce (just over 588,000), 16% more concentrated than the national average—thanks in large to a strong network of community colleges (the third-largest in the U.S.) and workforce development initiatives, including customized training partnerships and over 23,000 completions per year in manufacturing-related programs.
“Being in Illinois for business provides resources that most states don’t have,” says Aneesa Muthana, CEO and co-owner of Pioneer Service, Inc. and M&M Quality Grinding.
Innovation Infrastructure: Built for Industry
The state’s investment in R&D and digital infrastructure ensures that manufacturers have access to the tools they need to compete globally. From microelectronics to robotics, manufacturers benefit from partnerships with top-tier universities like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Advanced manufacturing companies also have access to abundant resources like state incentives, including the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act, the Reimaging Energy and Vehicles (REV) Act, and the state’s Manufacturing Training Academies (MTAs), which are helping companies adopt new technologies and upskill their workforce.
“None of [this] would be possible without the engagement, support, and alignment with all of our state-level partners,” says Greg Keown, President of Rolling & Recycling, North America, and SVP of Wieland Group.
Logistics That Deliver
Illinois’ strategic, central location makes it a logistical dream for manufacturers. With all six Class I railroads meeting in two locations (a unique asset of Illinois alone), three international airports (including O’Hare, the most-connected in the U.S. and top 10 in the world), Illinois River barge access, and the nation’s third-largest interstate highway system, getting goods to market—and fast—is never a cause for concern. In fact, the greater Chicago region handles 25% of the nation’s freight by rail, making it the busiest location in the U.S.
For manufacturers reliant on efficient supply chains, Illinois offers unmatched connectivity via air, rail, road, and port to national and global markets.
“A big piece of our decision to come to Illinois was based upon the logistics out of this location,” explains Manner Polymers Plant Manager Brian Reynolds.
Why Expand or Relocate to Illinois?
Companies like Honeywell, AAR, Rivian, Ford, AbbVie, and a growing roster of innovators are investing in Illinois because the business case is strong, including:
- Proximity to customers and suppliers via diverse supply channels
- Access to one of the nation’s most-skilled workforces
- Abundant industrial infrastructure and resources
- Customized incentives and government support
- A collaborative environment with industry peers and institutions
The state’s Five-Year Economic Growth Plan highlights advanced manufacturing as a top-priority industry, and Illinois is championing its growth in aligning resources with intent.
For manufacturers of all sizes, Illinois offers a rare combination of history, innovation, and momentum. Be part of what’s next. Be in Illinois. And if you’re ready to join us, get in touch with our team today.
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