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 transportation equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing, Fox Cities’ manufacturing numbers tell the story:

• Manufacturing encompasses 21.15% of the region’s employment, providing 46,534 jobs.
• Manufacturing is an export industry in the region, with a location quotient of 2.52.

What makes the Fox Cities Region the manufacturing powerhouse that it is?

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

Manufacturing wages in the Fox Cities Region are lower or comparable to U.S. and Wisconsin averages.

“To be competitive in manufacturing, having a stable, solid workforce is essential. At Pierce Manufacturing’s facilities in Grand Chute and the Town of Menasha, we have highly skilled employees who are not only extremely productive, but also have a work ethic that can’t be beat.”
–Jodie Larson, VP Human Resources, Pierce Manufacturing Inc.

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.

Programs and Services that FVTC provides for manufacturing:

• The Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center operates in partnership with Miller Electric Mfg. Co. to help address the growing demand for skilled workers in the areas of welding and metal fabrication.
• The Automated Manufacturing Systems lab partners with local companies to provide customized training in areas such as electrical power systems, automation software, and industrial devices.

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.

For more information on the manufacturing industry in the Fox Cities Region, please contact us.