A Recognized U.S. Manufacturing Powerhouse
The Fox Cities Region was founded on a tradition of paper manufacturing, and today it is one of the top manufacturing centers in the country. An ideal environment for food manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing, Fox Cities’ manufacturing numbers tell the story.
What makes the Fox Cities Region the perfect location for food processing?
Abundant, Productive Labor at a Low Cost of Doing Business
The region’s workforce is already mighty and manufacturing is expected to add 10,284 jobs over the next 10 years. Lower than average wages and crime rates keep the cost of doing business low and boosting your bottom-line.
The Fox Cities Region has a labor force of nearly 800,000 within 50 miles.
- Fox Cities Region labor force: 219,971
- Labor force within 50 miles of the Fox Cities Region: 649,920
Food processing wages in the Fox Cities Region are lower or comparable to U.S. and Wisconsin averages.
Fox Cities Region Food Processing Wage Comparison |
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SOC Code |
Description |
Mean Hourly Wage |
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Fox Cities Region |
Wisconsin |
United States |
||
| 51-3092 | Food Batchmakers | $17.45 | $15.02 | $13.84 |
| 49-9041 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $23.74 | $24.79 | $24.25 |
| 51-9061 | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $17.90 | $17.32 | $18.46 |
| 51-3011 | Bakers | $13.43 | $12.15 | $12.28 |
Source: JobsEQ® 2014
Access to Nationally Recognized Training Facilities
The Fox Cities Region has access to excellent workforce training, particularly through the nationally recognized Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC), which offers business and industry training services such as: employee assessments, customized training, and continuing education programs.
Abundant and Reliable Water Source
High-quality, fresh water sources are abundant in the Fox Cities Region. Water utilities draw from publicly-owned supplies such as Lake Winnebago and from ground water wells. The Fox River also serves as a water source in case of emergency.
A Robust Transportation Industry
The Fox Cities Region had exports totaling $2.01 billion as of 2014. In per capita terms, at $5,020.76, this is well above the state and the nation. This is a testament to the speed and efficiency of domestic and international transportation to and from the region.
Businesses in the Fox Cities Region enjoy the ease of transporting products to a customer base of 88,656,120 within 500 miles as well as the convenience of obtaining raw materials from anywhere.
Fox Cities Regional Major Food Processing Employers |
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Company Name |
Industry |
Estimated Employment |
| Nestle’s Pizza Division | Frozen specialty food manufacturing | 1100 |
| McCain Foods USA Inc. | Frozen specialty food manufacturing | 550 |