Manufacturing in Carroll County, Iowa: An exciting journey of growth and stability

Modern manufacturing in 2023 involves the latest technologies to create unique products, requiring innovative thinkers skilled at problem-solving. 

Carroll County, Iowa, is home to manufacturing companies producing goods using the latest technologies and raw materials. Kicking off on Manufacturing Day — Friday, October 6 —  and continuing throughout the month, we at Carroll County Growth Partnership celebrate these companies’ employment opportunities and innovations that grow our economy.

Modern Manufacturing

Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Manufacturing careers are full of opportunities for exciting endeavors, personal advancement, and stability.

“There’s no such thing as a low-skilled job in manufacturing anymore,” NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray said in a 2023 Industry Outlook article for Manufacturing Dive.

Today’s typical manufacturing roles incorporate the latest technology, like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and robotics, into existing processes, quality control, and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, sustainability is quickly becoming a focused aspect of manufacturing as companies seek to find ways to produce customary items in manners that coexist positively with their natural environment. 

Carroll County has Numerous Benefits for Manufacturing Companies.

Carroll County offers several advantages to national and global manufacturing companies.  Iowa’s strong agricultural roots and history of heavy manufacturing are driving opportunities for entrepreneurial value-added businesses in Western Iowa. The region offers many advantages to businesses in this sector, including its convenient central location, low costs of doing business and experienced, hard-working employees who exemplify the legendary Midwestern work ethic.

Manufacturing operations in this sector support the global agriculture industry. The following industries employ over 700 people in the Western Iowa region:

• Agriculture, Construction & Mining Machinery Manufacturing
• Boiler, Tank & Shipping Container Manufacturing
• Plastics Product Manufacturing 
• Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing 
• Industrial Machinery Manufacturing 
• Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing.

Robust transportation access in Carroll County allows businesses to receive raw materials and ship finished products quickly and efficiently to and from major markets throughout the country. Carroll County sits at the intersection of US Highways 30 & 71. Union Pacific Railroad operates a mainline dual track through Carroll County. Many companies in Carroll County transport commodities, merchandise goods, and cargo. The Arthur N. New Municipal Airport has grown to be one of the busiest in Western Iowa, with approximately 700 monthly landings. 

Sites and buildings are available for manufacturing companies looking to expand. Here, businesses have the room they need to grow, and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. In some instances, financial incentives make the move an even better investment. 

Carroll County, Iowa’s workforce is plentiful, drawing on a large labor force. Additionally, workers possess skills applicable to the manufacturing industry. Customized, affordable training and technical assistance is coordinated by CCGP and provided by Des Moines Area Community College - Carroll Campus. 

Leaders in Carroll County, Iowa

Many manufacturers have realized success due to the favorable economic environment in Carroll County, Iowa. These manufacturers are leaders in combining the latest technology and good workplace practices to produce high-quality products and consistently innovate to progress their industries. The diversity of the local economy is a significant factor in the resiliency of Carroll County, IA, as the national economy fluctuates. By numbers, agriculture is undoubtedly the strength of the local economy, creating significant opportunities for value-added agriculture facilities. The top employers are in the following categories:

• Healthcare and Social Services
• Wholesale and Retail Trade
• Manufacturing
• Personal Services
• Finance
• Transportation.

Carroll County Growth Partnership is proud that these companies have made their home here.

Showcase your Manufacturing Operation

Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to help your community become more familiar with the possibilities present at your company. Hosting an event helps highlight the reality of modern manufacturing careers to your future workforce and those who can assist your development - students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Utilize the Manufacturing Institute’s toolkit to help plan tours, send invitations, and develop promotions.

Carroll County Growth Partnership understands the vital importance manufacturing has in Carroll County, Iowa. Contact us today to learn more about manufacturing opportunities!