“We have a state government that really cares about the manufacturing industry and all industries in the state of Iowa. They’re always asking what can they do to help, how do they make it easier.”
Advanced Manufacturing
Manufacturing Mastered
Advanced manufacturing isn’t just another sector here. It’s the state’s most powerful economic engine.
Manufacturing drives more than 17% of Iowa’s GDP, supported by one of the nation’s deepest manufacturing workforces. Here, companies find the talent, infrastructure and business climate to scale precision manufacturing, strengthen complex supply chains and keep production moving.
The Iowa Advantage
A Deep, Skilled Talent Pool
Iowa has the third highest concentration of manufacturing workers in the U.S.
Our deep talent pool means you have access to a dedicated workforce trained in everything from custom manufacturing to complex assembly and ready to move at the speed of business.
The Iowa Advantage
Build Better, Pay Less
Iowa backs manufacturers with incentives that make a real difference.
Tap into our Manufacturing 4.0 grants for robotics & automation, and explore other incentives designed to help your company build the future of smart manufacturing.
THE IOWA ADVANTAGE
Site-ready. Data-Backed. Iowa-Proven.
Iowa helps companies find the perfect location for expansion or relocation.
Iowa Certified Sites come with due diligence already done, with verified site data and documentation that earn the “development ready” designation, so your project can move faster from day one.
The Iowa Advantage
Made For What’s Next
We are all in on smart manufacturing, investing in robotics, 3D printing & automation.
Iowa’s Manufacturing 4.0 initiative keeps our manufacturers globally competitive by diversifying portfolios, increasing productivity and scaling up advanced manufacturing operations.
No sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment
#3
highest concentration of mechanical engineers
(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
28%
lower
electricity rates than the national average
(U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2025)
No property tax
on industrial machinery and equipment
#3
highest concentration of Manufacturing workers in the U.S.
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
#1
in the U.S. in electricity generated from clean power sources
(American Clean Power, 2025)
Brianne Schulte
Vermeer Corporation
“Here in Iowa, I have more resources than others closer to the ocean.”
Ossama Abdelkhalik
Peak Engineering LLC
“There’s no better place to be in business than Iowa.”
Steve Shriver
Eco Lips
Leading the Industry
Iowa is home to some of the world’s most recognized manufacturing companies, spanning sectors from food products and medical devices to construction machinery, aerospace electronics and beyond.
“Here in Iowa, I have more resources than others closer to the ocean”
Launching an ocean-oriented company from landlocked Ames? Sounds far-fetched. Yet, thousands of miles from offshore surges in Alaska or Hawaii, Peak Engineering LLC (PEAK) is developing and testing technology to generate power from waves.
Here, workers are in it for the long haul, with an average tenure of 12 years—3x the national average.
Interested in hearing more?
Connect with us for a personalized consult on how Iowa can serve your company’s needs.