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Illinois has a rich history in manufacturing, boasting over a century of experience and the largest manufacturing output in the Midwest. This legacy, combined with unmatched advantages, positions Illinois as a leader in advanced manufacturing. Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Illinois 2024 Economic Growth Plan further solidifies this position by focusing on innovation and growth opportunities within the sector, ensuring Illinois remains at the forefront of the industry for years to come.

Illinois’ Manufacturing Advantages

A key strength of Illinois’ manufacturing sector is its robust infrastructure. With more large industrial sites than any other in the Midwest, Illinois provides ample space for manufacturing facilities. This, coupled with a skilled workforce and substantial investment in research and development ($11.1 billion in corporate expenditures in 2021), makes Illinois well-equipped to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. 

Incentives for Advanced Manufacturing 

Illinois is committed to attracting and retaining advanced manufacturers through tailored programs like the Megasite Investment Program, REV, MICRO, and the Made in Illinois Grants. These initiatives incentivize manufacturers and support workforce development through training academies like SWIC’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility. 

Key Growth Sectors 

Illinois is experiencing a surge in growth across various sectors within advanced manufacturing. Advanced manufacturers provide critical inputs for fast-growing industries such as electric vehicles and energy, including machinery manufacturing, fabricated metals, chemical manufacturing, robotics, and advanced materials like nanomaterials. The state also has a strong presence in airplane and drone manufacturing, particularly fueled by increased global defense spending. 

Growth Opportunities and Trends

The future of manufacturing in Illinois is bright, with numerous growth opportunities: 

  • Rising demand: Increased demand for machinery and fabricated metals driven by new electric vehicle factories. 
  • Federal incentives: Encouraging reshoring and supply chain diversification, manufacturers are increasingly looking to establish roots within the United States.  
  • Global defense spending: Surpassing $2 trillion in 2023 and anticipated to grow another 5% in 2024, defense spending creates opportunities for related manufacturing subsectors. 
  • Technological advancements: Advancements in AI, robotics, and IoT technologies are expected to nearly double the global demand for industrial machinery by 2032. 

Happy Manufacturing Month! 

In honor of October being Manufacturing Month, impactful manufacturing initiatives in Illinois include: 

Make It In Illinois

The Make It In Illinois campaign is an initiative to connect more people to rewarding careers in manufacturing. Launched by DCEO and Illinois Innovation Network, the campaign highlights the advantages of Illinois’ manufacturing landscape to prospective manufacturers. Illinois has: 

  • More than 250 training programs for students to develop the skills they need for a successful career 
  • A salary range of up to $100k+ depending on experience, and a projection to keep growing 
  • More than 50k job openings each year, ensuring workers will continue to be high in demand 

Through targeted outreach and support programs, Make It In Illinois will boost the state’s manufacturing pipeline.

Makers on the Move 

Makers on the Move is an engaging initiative designed to support and promote Illinois’ manufacturing sector by connecting manufacturers with essential resources and training opportunities. The eight-day Makers on the Move’ bus tour occurred from October 412, and was organized by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center. The bus tour visited manufacturing facilities, colleges, and high schools across the state to highlight the innovative manufacturing sector and its job opportunities. Makers on the Move offered workshops, networking events, and access to funding, helping businesses adopt advanced technologies and improve operational efficiency. It fostered collaboration among manufacturers, educational institutions, and industry experts in order to drive growth, innovation, and workforce development. 

What’s Next for You? 

Illinois is committed to innovation and growth in manufacturing. Are you ready to be part of it? Contact our team today to discover how we can help your business thrive in this vibrant community.