Manufacturing Builds Strength Across the Iowa Lakes Corridor

Manufacturing is a pillar of the Iowa Lakes Corridor economy, employing 11.4 percent of the region’s workforce. It ranks just behind healthcare and retail as the 3rd-largest employer, with more than one in ten working adults building their career in this sector. The industry is a driver of innovation, skills development, and community stability across Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet counties.

Manufacturing Careers Offer Stability and Growth

Manufacturing jobs today require technical skills, creative problem-solving, and adaptability. They are not limited to repetitive assembly line tasks or unsafe conditions. In the Corridor, these careers challenge employees to use advanced technology, collaborate across teams, and design solutions that support global industries.

The wages reflect the level of skill and responsibility required. Hourly manufacturing employees earn between $20.99 and $28.67, while salaried positions average $81,489 to $110,380 annually.

Combined with a cost of living 26 percent lower than the national average and 7 percent lower than the state average, these wages create a quality of life advantage that makes manufacturing one of the most rewarding career paths in the Corridor.

A single person can meet living costs of about $2,100 per month, and a family of four can do so for $2,600 per month. These levels are significantly below national averages, allowing workers to build financial security more quickly while still enjoying the benefits of living in growing and connected communities.
County Spotlights Show Industry Depth

Buena Vista County Focuses on Food Production

Buena Vista County is anchored by Tyson Foods, which operates both turkey and pork processing facilities. These operations sustain hundreds of jobs, contribute to the regional agricultural economy, and highlight the county’s expertise in food production.

Clay County Builds Specialized Products

Clay County is home to a collection of specialized manufacturers. Veridian produces fire protective gear used nationwide. Tecton Industries manufactures precision parts for multiple industries. GOMACO, a newer acquisition in the region, designs concrete paving equipment. Demco Products manufactures agricultural trailers. Each company demonstrates how smaller operations, with 20 to 80 employees, contribute to innovation and stability.

Dickinson County Drives Recreational and Industrial Growth

Dickinson County is home to some of the largest manufacturers in the Corridor. Polaris Industries builds off-road vehicles that reach customers worldwide. Pure Fishing produces rods, reels, and gear that support one of Iowa’s most recognizable outdoor industries. Rosenboom Machine & Tool delivers precision components for multiple sectors. Safco supports furniture manufacturing. Together, these companies offer a range of career paths, spanning design, engineering, and production.

Emmet County Powers Ag and Racing Industries

In Emmet County, Aero Race Wheels produces high-performance wheels for motorsports, while moveero designs and manufactures wheels for agriculture and construction. Redwood Farms contributes to the meat processing sector. These companies highlight the diversity of manufacturing and the opportunities for workers to build careers in highly specialized industries.

A Skilled Workforce Anchors the Region

The Corridor’s laborshed spans a wide geographic area, extending 119 miles north to south and 125 miles east to west, drawing talent from across Northwest Iowa and into Minnesota.

With an available labor force of over 121,000, the region supports the growth of advanced manufacturing operations. Workers bring skills in machining, welding, design, engineering, and logistics, supporting employers of every size.

Manufacturing Careers Strengthen the Corridor

Manufacturing is not a narrow or outdated career option. It is a skilled profession that requires problem-solving, technical knowledge, and an ability to adapt to daily challenges. In the Iowa Lakes Corridor, these jobs provide stable wages, long-term career pathways, and the ability to live well at a lower cost of living.

Manufacturers in Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, and Emmet counties create products that serve markets worldwide, while building a strong foundation for families and communities right here in the Corridor.

Discover the significance of the manufacturing industry and its role in shaping the Corridor’s future, and learn how local employers continue to lead the way. Contact us today to find out how you can be part of the Corridor’s manufacturing future.