Advanced Manufacturing

The Madison Region claims historic strength in manufacturing and production, coupled with emerging processes pioneered by higher education and research institutions. The advanced manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of regional employment, accounting for 12.4% of total regional nonfarm employment - second only to healthcare and social services.

With a wide and diverse portfolio of vital manufacturers, the region boasts particular strengths in food products machinery, tractors and trailers, household refrigerators and freezers, appliances, metal manufacturing, and plastics. Leading national companies such as Cardinal Glass, John Deere, and Trek have facilities within the eight counties, demonstrating the region’s competitive edge in high-end production.

Commitment to skilled and talented workers

Young adults comprise a strong segment of the high-end manufacturing workforce, a testament to the ability of the Madison Region to develop and retain skilled workers and attract quality talent. In 2010, Madison Region institutions of higher education conferred 3,081 degrees and certificates that are applicable to advanced manufacturing positions, representing 13% of total regional conferrals. Madison College’s new Ingenuity Center will house advanced manufacturing and transportation programs when it opens in late summer 2013, and is just one example of how the region is committed to further increasing training capacity.

Staying competitive through collaboration

The region’s advanced manufacturing sector is complemented by the strength and proximity of the life sciences, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. Companies such as GE Healthcare, Promega, and Virent lead production of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and bioenergy. The connection among these sectors is closely tied to important research taking place in the region, especially at UW-Madison and Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.

Advanced manufacturing is a key sector for growth nationwide, and the Madison Region’s existing strengths in the industry align closely with globally recognized technologies of the future. Companies looking to open or expand advanced manufacturing facilities in the Madison Region will benefit from a multitude of industrial parks, moderate utility prices, and strong technical and four year education institutions. Combined with statewide sector support and a history of cutting-edge production, the region is well situated to be a long-term manufacturing haven.

Source: 2011 Advance Now Target Cluster Analysis