Industry Week magazine referred to St. Joseph as a manufacturing “hotspot.” Certainly, St. Joseph has a strong workforce in the manufacturing of products that vary from industrial cleaners and automotive parts to animal pharmaceuticals and foods for both animals and people. But St. Joseph’s manufacturing success is due to more than just its diversity.
Business experts credit manufacturing success to internal organization and management. Companies are more likely to have manufacturing success if they have an experienced management team, offer generous wages and benefits, offer continual training programs to help their employees feel confident and competent, inspire a work culture of creativity and innovation, retain their employees, and treat their employees fairly.
Multiple manufacturing companies in St. Joseph engage in these business practices and build teams of hard workers who treat co-workers like family and respect each other as business partners.
One of these businesses that offer experience and innovation is Hillyard Companies. Through experienced management and innovative products Hillyard has been in business in St. Joseph for 106 years. Its cleaning products line the shelves of many businesses in the area and abroad. The company also distributes products for successful companies like Rubbermaid, 3M, and Georgia Pacific.
Success is also due in part to working with nationwide and worldwide companies. Companies like Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Altec, WireCo WorldGroup, Gray Manufacturing, and Johnson Controls have part of their worldwide industry in St. Joseph. Some of these companies have their headquarters here in St. Joseph.
Through product innovation and continual employee training and research, companies like Boehringer Ingelheim achieve manufacturing success. Keeping up with the latest technology and research has spurred another planned expansion of Boehringer in St. Joseph. Missouri Western State University’s Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator also help St. Joseph companies research in state-of-the-art laboratories and offers hands-on experience for new professionals.
Nestle Purina Petcare, which has two facilities in St. Joseph, also provides exceptional training for its employees. Its Product Technology Center includes a pilot production plant and research area. Nestle also is a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winner.
Location, location, location. That’s a major factor in financial success for someone selling a home or a business trying to attract patrons. It’s also a factor in producing a company striving for manufacturing success. St. Joseph companies are ideally situated along the Missouri River and are within 500 miles of 44 percent of the total number of America’s manufacturing establishments.
The supply chain for St. Joseph flows smoothly with river barges, freight trains, interstates, and air travel. Kansas City International Airport is only a half hour away. Interstate 29 and Highway 36 pass directly through St. Joseph and Interstates 35 and 70 are in close proximity.
With an ideal location, experienced leadership, and opportunities for continued growth, both personally and in product innovation, St. Joseph offers many companies with proven manufacturing success.
