Celebrating Manufacturing Month in Phelps County, Nebraska

Phelps County is home to global manufacturing companies benefitting from the talented workforce that is a trademark of Nebraska to produce goods using the latest technologies. Recently, Phelps County received accolades for its positive business climate, earning a “Top Rural County 2020” ranking by Site Selection Magazine. 

Kicking off on Manufacturing Day — Friday, October 1 —  and continuing throughout the month, we at Phelps County Economic Development (PCDC) are celebrating these companies for their employment opportunities and their innovations that grow our economy.

Manufacturing Day Stretches Through the Whole Month of October

Launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, MFG Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. With the theme of “Creators Wanted,” the focus is on building the workforce of the future by educating America’s youth about the incredible career pathways full of opportunity for advancement and stability that modern manufacturing offers. 

Manufacturing in Phelps County

PCDC is using this opportunity to call attention to the many manufacturing companies we have in our community. These manufacturers are leaders in technology and good workplace practices, produce high quality products, and consistently innovate to keep in step with and progress their industries. We are proud that these companies have made their home in Phelps County. 

Manufacturers in our region including their full-time employee counts:

• Becton Dickinson, 650 - Insulin syringes
• Allmand Brothers, 177 - Portable light towers, arrow boards, industrial heaters
• Hawkins Manufacturing, 18 - Farm equipment
• Nebraska Star Beef, 8 - Beef processing
• Earth Science Laboratories, 7 - Algaecide & bactericide for lakes, ponds, potable water, pools, spas, hot tubs
• Planterworx, 6 - Agriculture implements
• Holen One Farms, 2 - Spices, marinades, BBQ sauce

Growth in Manufacturing Sector in Nebraska

Manufacturing’s importance in Phelps County and throughout Nebraska is due to the sector’s stability and growth. In fact, total manufacturing output in Nebraska was $13.53 billion in 2019, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).  

Over 99,000 people worked in the Nebraska manufacturing industry in 2019, and as reported by NAM, the average annual compensation was $67,214.43 Upon graduating high school or trade school, students can begin working for one of Phelps County’s manufacturing companies and within a few years, reach a level of income that surpasses the average household income in the United States. 

Manufacturing Companies Should Locate in Phelps County

Phelps County offers several advantages to national and global manufacturing companies. The local business climate is supportive and welcoming to new industry. Low cost power is readily available and rated among the most reliable in the U.S., and water and other natural resources are plentiful. This is coupled with a labor force in the eight-county region that is among the most productive and reliable anywhere.

Businesses in Phelps County also benefit from its central location and extensive transportation access. By road, rail, or air, it is convenient to reach the entire United States. Getting “here” — and going “there” — is a snap.

Sites and buildings are available for manufacturing companies looking to expand. Here, businesses have the room they need to grow, and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. Iron Horse Business and Industrial Park is 107 acres with redundant and expandable power, contiguous short-line railroad, lower cost utilities, and fiber optic cable making it an attractive location for expanding or re-shoring manufacturers. Additionally, PCDC offers several incentives through our Go! Programs for workforce development, start-up help, and much more. 

To learn more about manufacturing opportunities in Phelps County, contact PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or pcdc@phelpscountyne.com today.