Skilled Manufacturing Business Cluster

"The strong work ethic and family values of the residents and a great business community make St. Joseph a great place to operate a nationwide business.”

- Hillyard Industries, a global leader in floor care and industrial cleaning supplies, founded in St. Joseph in 1907​

UNMATCHED MANUFACTURING ROOTS​

Our central location in the middle of the United States, combined with our concentrated and growing skilled manufacturing labor force makes us a top location for any type of manufacturing operation

Our strength in manufacturing will give you an unmatched advantage. Here is a sampling of our labor compared to the national average and growth over the past 5 years: 

  • 27 times more employed in Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturing
  • 176% Growth in Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet Manufacturing
  • 18 times more employed in Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing

St. Joseph

Top Skilled Manufacturing Employers

Altec, Inc., is the holding company for the world’s leading equipment and service provider for the electric utility, telecommunications, contractor, and tree care industries. The company provides products and services in more than 100 countries throughout the world. St. Joseph is the location where the product development engineering, manufacturing and parts distribution processes occur.
Located in St. Joseph, MO since 1952, Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. has been recognized around the world for providing the highest quality shop service equipment for the automotive, truck and service vehicle industries.
A manufacturing force for more than 100 years in St. Joseph, Mo., Hillyard continues to pioneer research and development efforts that help the company to dominate in innovative cleaning products. Hillyard Company products are utilized by countless facilities across a wide variety of market segments, including wood floor products, hard floor products, or proportioning equipment. The company is also a distributor of names like Georgia Pacific, Rubbermaid and 3M. The St. Joseph Hillyard campus is located in the beautiful and historic downtown area, serving as the company’s headquarter location and moving forward on a century-plus history in St. Joseph.
International Paper is a global leader in the paper and packaging industry and supplies a wide range of products that people rely on every day. The company produces uncoated papers and industrial and consumer packaging. The St. Joseph location specializes in the manufacturing of corrugated stock.
Perka has been involved in manufacturing, distributing and marketing Hybrid Buildings and steel frames since 1981. Staff is nicknamed TEAM PERKA as they foster a strong, safe and healthy teaming culture of cooperation, collaboration, appreciation, respect and personal development. They produce structural steel frames in their 33,000 SF facility and are looking for mates who are passionate about their craft and want to grow in a supportive and appreciating environment.
Schütz stands for sustainable packaging solutions. In St. Joseph, employees are involved in making packages for the agriculture chemical and food-related industries. It opened its location in Eastowne Business Park in 2015 and is ramping up to employ 50 or more people.
Snorkel is a leading global manufacturer of aerial work platforms. Its comprehensive range of aerial lifts provides safe and efficient working at height from 12 feet to 125 feet.
VP Buildings specializes in the computer-aided design of pre-engineered steel systems construction for low-rise, nonresidential buildings. Working closely with architects, engineers and contractors, the company offers buildings that combine extraordinary esthetic appeal with optimum functionality. Each year VP Buildings manufactures about 6,000 buildings ranging from 1,200 square feet to more than 1 million square feet under one roof.
Vektek is dedicated to providing the best value in flexible and innovative hydraulic and pneumatic workholding solutions worldwide. Manufacturers utilize its workholding products in economic sectors from automotive and transportation, marine products and power generation to medical, energy, aerospace and defense. Vektek is a precision workholding specialist.
Clarios is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. The St. Joseph facility specializes in wet automotive storage battery manufacturing and distribution, employing nearly 700 people.
As a leading heavy engineering company, Bradken can manufacture fully-machined cast iron and steel products from a mass of 1 kg to more than 25 tonne for industrial markets. In its Atchison, Kan./ St. Joseph facility, Bradken has manufactured engineered steel castings for more than 135 years. With a rich history in the rail and transit and the mining and construction markets, Bradken Atchison/St. Joseph possess the experience and infrastructure to support the specification-intensive energy and industrial markets.
Founded in St. Joseph in 1945, Omnium manufactures agricultural herbicides and agricultural chemicals for commercial use and has completed expansions in St. Joseph, reflecting the industry’s growth. It is a Land O’Lakes company that manufactures bioscience agricultural chemicals.
Sealed Air is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of a wide range of protective packaging and performance-based materials essential to many consumer and industrial markets. For more than half a century, its food packaging businesses have been developing technologies to keep food fresh, better tasting and more accessible while making healthy meals more convenient. The St. Joseph facility manufactures shrink packaging focused on providing a retail-ready package with environmental efficiencies.
Summit Truck Bodies designs and manufactures high quality, custom service & lube bodies and other specialized equipment and accessories for the field service industry. Using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing processes, each one of our bodies is built to customers’ exact specifications ensuring complete satisfaction with usability and longevity.
Yellow Frog Graphics is a premier provider of custom vehicle graphics, wraps, environmental graphics, custom signage and much more. Located in the heart of the Midwest in St. Joseph, MO, their state-of-the-art 25,000 sq. ft. facility can handle a project of any size.
Midland Steel Company is the steel supplier and fabricator of choice for commercial and industrial construction. Located just 55 miles northwest of Kansas City in Wathena, Kansas, Midland Steel Company is ideally situated to serve the Greater Kansas City and Midwestern markets.
Locally owned and operated in St. Joseph, MO for over 40 years, I&M Machine & Fabrication Corp. is a one stop shop providing custom metal fabrication, precision machining, and industrial metal finishing.
Established in 1871, Shamrad began in St. Joseph, Missouri as a company that built and serviced processing and heating boilers. Over 150 years later, Shamrad is still at the same location with the same policy of quality craftsmanship in every project. Today, the focus of the company is on custom metal fabrication.
Since their beginning in 1981, VanAm Custom Manufacturing has partnered with their customers to provide them with quality solutions to their tooling, stamping, machining, and manufacturing needs.
With one of its corporate manufacturing locations in St. Joseph, Silgan Containers remains the largest provider of metal food packaging in the U.S. Trusted by America’s most respected brands, Silgan’s reputation is based on a foundation of quality, excellence and unsurpassed technical expertise.
National Beef Packing Company is one of the largest beef processing companies in the U.S., processing and marketing fresh beef and beef byproducts across the U.S. and internationally. St. Joseph has a wet blue hide processing facility that helps National Beef continue to develop core capabilities and drive value for the products it delivers to the marketplace.
Founded in 1990, RitePack specializes in custom and contract manufacturing, blending, filling and packaging services. RitePack works on behalf of consumer product manufacturers in three markets: lawn and garden, including natural and organic products as well as commercial fertilizers. Feed, which includes high-end products consumed by chickens, cows, swine and other animals plus pets; and animal health products such as parasite control, insecticide sprays and fly control.
Scot Young Research (SYR) has been producing and distributing innovative cleaning tools and products in St. Joseph, MO for 20 years. Scot Young Research produces and distributes the full line of SYR green cleaning technology products. From mops, scrubbers, brushes, buckets, wringers, and safety signs, SYR products leave workplaces cleaner and safer.
At their location in St, Joseph, MO, INsteel Industries produces Engineered Structural Mesh, Concrete Pipe Reinforcement, and Drawn Wire. Their products are primarily sold to manufacturers of concrete products that are used in nonresidential construction.
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St. Joseph

Committed to Helping
St. Joseph Manufacturers Meet Workforce Needs​

Missouri Western University strives to help the Region’s manufacturing sector meet it’s workforce needs. Programs designed to support include Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Construction Engineering Technology.

3D Spotlight - Frank Frudenthal

The Joseph Company produces a video series called the 3D Spotlight. The purpose is to direct the focal point of our community to what is good, right and beautiful; putting the focus on what we DO have, not what we DON’T have. It features organizations, businesses, families or individuals in our community who are making this a better place.

St. Joseph Manufacturing Day​

Manufacturing Day is a national day set aside to recognize the importance of the manufacturing industry and the diverse, highly-skilled, jobs that are available in our community. 

Held the first Friday in October each year, community organizations and companies come together to lift up the industry and the possible career paths available. 

Click Here to learn more

“Mecca of Manufacturing” St. Joseph ranks first in list of 'Best Places to Work in Manufacturing'

The St. Joseph metropolitan area, located in both Missouri and Kansas, has 24.74% of its workforce in manufacturing, the 18th-highest rate in the study conducted by SmartAsset.

27 times more employed in Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturing​

  • 27 times more employed in Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturing than the national average​
  • 176% Growth in Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet Manufacturing​
  • 18 times more employed in Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing compared to the national average​

Workforce Training Designed for You​

The St. Joseph Workforce Development Alliance works with education partners to coordinate training and educational assets to meet the workforce needs of industry.

Made With Uncommon Character

“Made with Uncommon Character” simply summarizes St. Joseph. This city of more than 76,000 residents has an abundance of character, in its architecture, its residents and in its amenities. It is uncommon — from its pioneering and rebellious history, to its entrepreneurial spirit of yesterday and today.

Workforce Data

Industry​

5Y Growth​

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing​

829%​

Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing​

176%​

Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing​

151%​

Motor Vehicle Metal Stamping​

149%​

Electronic Connector Manufacturing​

132%​

All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing​

109%​

Travel Trailer and Camper Manufacturing​

95%​

All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing​

94%​

Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing​

91%​

Metal Window and Door Manufacturing​

77%​

Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing​

74%​

Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing​

68%​

Adhesive Manufacturing​

63%​

Industrial Mold Manufacturing​

48%​

Construction Machinery Manufacturing​

43%​

Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing​

40%​

Storage Battery Manufacturing​

39%​

Wood Window and Door Manufacturing​

39%​

Conveyor and Conveying Equipment Manufacturing​

36%​

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing​

34%​

All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing​

31%​

Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)​

30%​

Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing​

30%​

Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing​

26%​

Machine Tool Manufacturing​

26%​

Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing​

25%​

Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing​

25%​

Industrial Gas Manufacturing​

23%​

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing​

21%​

Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing​

21%​

Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing​

15%​

Other Electronic Component Manufacturing​

14%​

Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing​

14%​

Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing​

13%​

Ready-Mix Concrete Manufacturing​

13%​

Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing​

10%​

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing​

9%​

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing​

8%​

Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing​

7%​

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use​

7%​

Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing​

7%​

Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing​

6%​

Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing​

5%​

Plastics Bottle Manufacturing​

5%​

Compared to the a USA average region of the same size, St. Joseph has…

28 X more people employed in Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturing​

18 X more people employed in Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing​

12 Xmore people employed in Printing Ink Manufacturing​

9 X more people employed in Storage Battery Manufacturing​

8 X more people employed in Metal Can Manufacturing​

7 X more people employed in Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing​

7 X more people employed in Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing​

6 X more people employed in Motor Vehicle Seating and Interior Trim Manufacturing​

6 X more people employed in Steel Wire Drawing​

6 X more people employed in Food Product Machinery Manufacturing​

5 X more people employed in Other Metal Valve and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing​

5 X more people employed in Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing​

5 X more people employed in Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing​

5 X more people employed in Steel Foundries (except Investment)​

4 X more people employed in Automobile Manufacturing​

4 X more people employed in Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing​

4 X more people employed in All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing​

4 X more people employed in Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing​

4 X more people employed in Conveyor and Conveying Equipment Manufacturing​

4 X more people employed in Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing​

4 X more people employed in Stationery Product Manufacturing​

3 X more people employed in Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing​

3 X more people employed in Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)​

3 X more people employed in Other Electronic Component Manufacturing​

3 X more people employed in Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing​

3 X more people employed in Polish and Other Sanitation Good Manufacturing​

3 X more people employed in Fluid Power Pump and Motor Manufacturing​

3 X more people employed in Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Tire Retreading​

2 X more people employed in Packaging Machinery Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Plastics Bottle Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Rubber and Plastics Hoses and Belting Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use​

2 X more people employed in Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Electronic Connector Manufacturing​

2 X more people employed in Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing

Industry​

Wages​

Steel Wire Drawing​

 $  45,587 ​

Steel Foundries (except Investment)​

 $  53,151 ​

Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing​

 $  50,603 ​

Stationery Product Manufacturing​

 $  47,541 ​

Other Electronic Component Manufacturing​

 $  52,518 ​

Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing​

 $  50,789 ​

Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing​

 $  50,051 ​

Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing​

 $  50,860 ​

Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing​

 $  46,774 ​

Rubber and Plastics Hoses and Belting Manufacturing​

 $  48,651 ​

Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing​

 $  37,153 ​

Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing​

 $  41,670 ​

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use​

 $  50,811 ​

Urethane and Other Foam Product (except Polystyrene) Manufacturing​

 $  51,742 ​

Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing​

 $  50,219 ​

Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing​

 $  54,492 ​

Wood Window and Door Manufacturing​

 $  42,496 ​

Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing​

 $  41,877 ​

Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing​

 $  51,351 ​

Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing​

 $  50,579 ​

Motor Vehicle Metal Stamping​

 $  37,459 ​

Labor Availability

This map shows that 17,489 people travel to the St. Joseph area daily for work, proving that a good employer can draw labor from a wide radius. Additionally, this map shows that 15,907 people drive from St. Joseph’s region to work in other locations. This creates a potential workforce as the vast majority of these 15,907 workers will consider working in the St. Joseph area, as more jobs are created.

Transportation Infrastructure

St. Joseph is a crossroads for two major thoroughfares, Interstate 29 and U.S. Highway 36. The city is served by two interstate highways, one proposed interstate, and four U.S. Routes. 

  • I-29, which runs south to Kansas City and north to Council Bluffs, Iowa
  • US Highway 36, an expressway with many freeway sections, connecting Kansas to Illinois.

Major Airport

St. Joseph is just 35 minutes from Kansas City International Airport (KCI). KCI is a full service, international airport served by every major U.S. passenger and all-cargo carriers. More than 400 flights from 11 major carriers arrive and depart daily from KCI, and airfares are among the lowest in the nation.

Rail

Rail service provided by Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway provides direct access to all parts of North America

St. Joseph Regional Port Authority

The Missouri River, part of the nation’s inland waterway system, is St. Joseph’s gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Our public river port facility gives area businesses the affordable option of transporting via river barge. The port is located at Missouri River mile 448. The port facility also has a Union Pacific rail spur. It is operated by Transport 360, which is built to accommodate everything from small business to major corporations.

Incentives Options to Suit Your Needs*

Economic Development Programs Related to New Job Creation and Capital Investment:

  • Buchanan County Economic Development Fund

  • St. Joseph Industrial Foundation

  • Chapter 100 Bond Program

  • Missouri State Incentives

  • Tax Increment Financing

  • Chapter 353 Tax Abatement

  • Improvement Districts

  • BUILD Program infrastructure

  • Economic Development riders for Electricity/Water

Redevelopment Related Programs:

  • Tax Increment Financing

  • Chapter 353 Tax Abatement

  • Improvement Districts

*Eligibility criteria apply

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