Illinois’ long history in manufacturing has established the state as a powerhouse in the industry. Its advantages in infrastructure, workforce, and R&D create an environment for manufacturing businesses to thrive. As the industry and its subsects, such as electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, continue to evolve and innovate, the State is proudly investing in the success of its future, as exemplified by its five-year economic growth plan, competitive tax-based incentives, and a commitment to developing and training an (already unmatched!) talent pool.
Advantages For Companies Ready to Scale
Aside from its clear geographical advantage — centered in the heart of the U.S. — Illinois offers plenty of benefits for manufacturing companies ready to scale:
- Unmatched talent: Illinois boasts a highly–skilled workforce, with 37% of Illinoisans holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Further, Illinois has a total manufacturing workforce of just over 588K people, ranking #3 in the Midwest and #5 nationally.
- Robust infrastructure: Illinois’ central location and world-class infrastructure provide unparalleled access to markets both domestic and international. With the 3rd-largest interstate highway network in the U.S., the most connected airport in the country (O’Hare International Airport), and a robust rail and port system, manufacturers can transport their goods and people across the globe with greater speed and reliability.
- Supportive business environment: Illinois is a magnet for businesses, ranking 2nd in the nation for new and expanding companies. A supportive business climate, coupled with initiatives fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, makes Illinois the ideal location for manufacturing businesses to prosper. This is further supported by over $1.9 billion in venture capital investment in 2023, the highest in the Midwest.
- Exceptional quality of life: Beyond business, Illinois offers an unmatched quality of life, a low cost of living (especially in comparison to its coastal counterparts), vibrant cities like Chicago (ranked “Best Big City in the U.S.” for eight consecutive years by Condé Nast), and access to top-notch healthcare and education — all of which attract and retain top talent across industries.
How Illinois’ Supportive Business Environment Drives Growth
“The state has tailored several programs to incentivize and attract advanced manufacturing,” Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, told the Chicago Business Journal. “Illinois has been a hub of manufacturing for over a century. It has the largest manufacturing output in the Midwest and has more large industrial sites than any other Midwest state.”
- In 2021, Illinois legislated the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) Program, which established incentives to build facilities, train workers, and create jobs in the EV manufacturing sector. The program has helped incentivize large-scale projects in the renewable energy space, creating thousands of well-paying jobs in Illinois.
- The Fast-Track Workforce Program helps retain and attract manufacturing to the state. In 2023, $20 million in funds were deployed to provide resources and support to major relocating or expanding employers for employee screening and recruitment, as well as customized job training development.
- The Megasites Investment Program supports the development of large sites ready for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more with grants of $250,000 to $5 million. “The new Megasites program is making sure that we have available sites that can accommodate a new or expanded company,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.
- Most recently, Governor Pritzker announced a Regional Site Readiness Program with awards totaling $31 million to support site readiness activities at 24 sites across the state. “This investment in the Regional Site Readiness Program marks a significant milestone in Illinois’ economic development strategy. By equipping communities with the tools to prepare sites for future growth, we’re enhancing our state’s appeal as a prime destination for business expansion and investment,” said Christy George, president and CEO of Intersect Illinois.
Join Manufacturing’s Future in Illinois
If you’re considering relocation, what’s better than having a site completely ready for all your needs? A site like The Mid-America International Gateway Business Park site is prime for manufacturing. The central location of the state, alongside its top-tier workforce and commitment to site readiness, are game-changing factors that make it easy for companies choosing to #BeInIllinois.
Are you ready to say yes! to being part of Illinois’ commitment to innovation and growth in advanced manufacturing? Contact our team today to discover how we can help your business thrive in this vibrant community.
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