Manufacturing
The Midwest has a rich history in the manufacturing industry, and the I-88 West region sits at the intersection of one of the nation’s leading manufacturing centers--the $76.6 billion gross output of the 18,900 manufacturers operating in Illinois representes 13.7% of the Illinois Gross Domestic Product. I-88 West’s proximity to major manufacturing centers in the Quad Cities and Peoria (John Deere and Caterpiller, respectively) provides additional opportunities for spin-offs and related business.
I-88 West is your manufacturing advantage, with proven cost advantages over the Chicago suburbs. With our access to global markets by interconnected east-west/north-south interstates and state highways, national rail systems, a Global Intermodal III hub and easy access to four airports (including Chicago’s O’Hare International), I-88 West makes it easy to connect your product to the world.
Some of the many advantages I-88 West has to offer manufacturing businesses:
- A skilled, experienced workforce provides higher-quality output and lower operational costs to help you get your business up and running more smoothly
- A team of regional economic development experts with access to leading business information to help you make the best decisions
- A pro-business climate with tax credits, exemptions, abatements--along with Enterprise Zones, Tax Incremental Financing, and Foreign Trade Zones
- A single-factor corporate income tax applies only to profits on sales within the state
- Never any inventory or M&E taxes
In addition to the region’s advantageous business climate and its incredible opportunities for the manufacturing industry, I-88 West offers a unique and favorable quality of life-- affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, easy commutes, excellent schools and abundant indoor and outdoor recreational activities.
- Operating costs at a significant cost advantage in the region
Manufacturing makes up 19% of the I-88 West economy, ranging from 18.2% in Whiteside County to 19.9% in Lee County. There are also 153 manufacturing establishments who offer 6,350 manufacturing jobs within the I-88 West region.
Manufacturers shipments, 2002 ($1000): 1,583,037
Manufacturing jobs (percent of total): 19.0%
Transportation and warehousing jobs (percent of total): 1.9%
