Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour

This October, the Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour is hitting the road to showcase the exciting career opportunities in advanced manufacturing across Iowa. As part of Manufacturing Month, this statewide tour will connect students, educators and job seekers with Iowa’s top manufacturers, demonstrating the innovation, technology and high-paying careers that fuel our economy.

Throughout the tour, visitors will experience:

  • Hands-on activities that bring modern manufacturing to life.
  • Interactive demonstrations highlighting cutting-edge equipment and processes.
  • Career exploration opportunities with information on apprenticeships, training programs and scholarships.
  • Industry insights and success stories from Iowans thriving in manufacturing careers.

2025 Manufacturing Tour Stops

Des Moines

  • Governor Kim Reynolds will sign a proclamation declaring October 3rd as Manufacturing Day in Iowa, officially kicking off the tour.

Ames

  • 3M | 3M is a materials science and manufacturing company focused on transforming industries by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. With operations in 31 U.S. states and 50 countries, our approximately 62,000 employees connect with customers globally through 3M’s three business groups – Consumer, Safety & Industrial, and Transportation & Electronics – to advance automotive technologies, consumer electronics, industrial capabilities, personal safety and more. The company has earned more than 135,000 patents since its founding in 1902. 3M also seeks to advance human progress through social investments, contributing $2 billion to strengthen our communities since 1953.
  • The kickoff celebration will take place at the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab in the Iowa State Research Park, sponsored by Iowa State University Economic Development & Industry Relations. ABI partners, members, and community leaders will gather to mark the official launch, enjoy a nacho and popcorn bar with beverages and games, connect with colleagues and friends, and learn more about Elevate Iowa’s mission to highlight manufacturing across the state.

Ankeny

  • John Deere Des Moines Works | 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa | John Deere Des Moines Works spans over 450 acres in central Iowa and serves as both a high-tech manufacturing facility and the Global Product Engineering Center for key agricultural equipment. Supporting the full crop production cycle—from ground prep to harvest—teams here lead design, testing, and prototype development, while a skilled workforce builds the machines that help feed and clothe the world. Whether or not you've ever operated our equipment, John Deere works for everyone—advancing food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure. From a steel plow nearly 200 years ago to today’s innovations in agriculture, construction, and beyond, John Deere continues to drive global progress.

Marshalltown

  • Marshalltown High School
  • Marshalltown Community College
  • Emerson | Emerson is a global industrial technology leader driving automation innovation that delivers productivity, efficiency, safety and sustainability for the world's essential industries. Emerson's FisherTM  brand has a 145-year history in Marshalltown where the company today develops and manufactures the industry’s most advanced portfolio of control valves, actuators, and regulators.

Conrad

  • Ritchie Industries | From single horse stall founts to large fountains that accommodate 500 cattle, Ritchie automatic waterers continue to set the standard in quality. So when you buy a Ritchie waterer, you know you’re getting the most dependable product on the market—not to mention the best value, service and warranty in the business. Our history of quality will continue to guide us and our manufacturing process for years to come.

Waterloo

  • Techworks Campus
  • US Army National Guard Armory
  • Standard Golf Company | Setting the standard in golf accessories since 1910 is not just a tagline, but also the responsibility we at Standard Golf bring to work each day. We’re the only manufacturer with a full-line of products from maintenance to course setup, practice range, driving range and turf growth.

Independence

  • Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co. | Since 1962, we have been delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient machining and fabrication services to a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, electronics, and high tech. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has made us a leader in the field, providing our customers with unparalleled service and quality, whether working on machining projects that require specialized cutting edges or simpler solutions.

Fairfield

  • Weaton Companies | Weaton Companies is a collaborative partner that helps turn vision into reality.  Our premium brands blend craftsmanship, advanced technology and flexible thinking to deliver custom architectural solutions – on time, on budget and without compromise.
  • Dexter Laundry | Since 1894, Dexter Laundry has been dedicated to helping people and companies around the world process laundry faster and more efficiently. Our complete line of washers, dryers, and management systems are designed, built, and assembled from start to finish in the USA at our Fairfield, Iowa headquarters. Our machines are engineered to withstand the harshest environments and are backed by industry-leading warranties and free lifetime technical support.
  • Agri Industrial Plastics | Custom Blow Molding | Agri-Industrial Plastics is a certified custom industrial blow molder of large-scale parts. Our expertise is in the design, manufacture, and assembly of EPA-compliant, non-automotive fuel tanks, as well as critical components for a wide range of industries.

Oskaloosa

  • Musco Lighting | As the global leader in sports and large area lighting and facility solutions for almost 50 years, Musco offers expertise in making responsible lighting affordable and expanding recreational opportunities in communities everywhere.
  • Interpower Corporation | At Interpower we want to make it easy for you to design, build, and maintain electrical products for North American and global markets—that’s our mission. We strive to provide our customers with quality products that delight—fast. Within the electrical product design you are creating, you need a way to connect to the power mains. Interpower is the premier supplier of AC power system components worldwide.

Pella

  • Vermeer Corporation | Vermeer Corporation makes a real impact on the way important work gets done through the design, manufacture and support of high-quality industrial and agricultural equipment. Our 3,500+ team members know our customers rely on Vermeer to keep their businesses moving forward, and we are committed to meeting customers’ needs with full service and support in more than 60 countries. So, we roll up our sleeves and dig in. Together, we're Equipped to Do More.®

Des Moines

  • Kemin Industries | Kemin is a global biotechnology company compelled by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, plants, and animals. We create solutions that help strengthen health and wellbeing. We provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals. We safeguard the planet’s natural resources and are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact—and we believe in protecting the global food supply chain for generations to come.  At Kemin, we are always looking toward tomorrow. We look beyond what is—to see what could be.

Altoona

  • Iowa Manufacturing Conference | The Iowa Association of Business and Industry's Manufacturing Conference brings together experts to provide insight and advice on the top challenges and opportunities facing Iowa manufacturers today, from utilizing new technology to finding new markets. Manufacturers from across the state also will gather to celebrate icons in the industry at the Legends in Manufacturing Awards, organized by Elevate Iowa, a program of ABI.

Why Manufacturing Matters in Iowa

Manufacturing is Iowa’s backbone, driving the state’s economy, powering innovation and creating rewarding careers. From the food we eat to the technology we use, Iowa-made products touch every part of daily life. Beyond production, manufacturing builds communities, connects Iowa to global markets, and keeps the state at the forefront of advanced and sustainable production practices.

Key Facts:

  • $44.5 billion – Manufacturing’s contribution to Iowa’s GDP (17.3% of the state total)
  • $16.2 billion – Value of Iowa’s manufacturing exports in 2024
  • 216,300 – People employed by over 3,000 Iowa manufacturers
  • $89,429 – Average annual earnings for manufacturing employees (vs. $60,629 state non-farm average)

Industry Composition:

  • Diverse sectors: food products, medical devices, construction machinery, aerospace electronics
  • Advanced manufacturing leader: strong focus on automation, robotics, and sustainable production

Global Trade – Top Export Destinations:

Canada: $5.4B | Mexico: $2.1B | China: $986.7M | Brazil: $1.1B | Australia: $856.8M

Policy & Innovation:

  • Biomanufacturing: Iowa ranks among the top five states for economic output in biotech
  • Tax reforms and supportive policies foster growth, innovation, and workforce development

Quality of Life:

  • Affordable housing and low commute times
  • Abundant outdoor recreation and strong community networks

“Whether you are driving your car down the road or eating dinner with your family, there’s a good chance something in your car or on your table came from an Iowa manufacturer. Iowans should be proud of what is made in Iowa by our neighbors.”

— Nicole Crain, President, Iowa Association of Business and Industry

The Relaunch of Elevate Iowa

The 2025 Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour marks the relaunch of the Elevate Iowa program, reinforcing its mission to promote Iowa’s manufacturing workforce. By engaging communities, businesses and education partners, this initiative will highlight the pathways available for individuals to build rewarding careers in modern manufacturing.

Whether you’re a student exploring career options, an educator building industry connections or a company eager to invest in Iowa’s workforce, the Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour is your gateway to the future of manufacturing. 

Join the Journey

We invite you to join us as we celebrate Iowa’s manufacturers and inspire the workforce of tomorrow. The RV tour will culminate at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s annual Manufacturing Conference on Oct. 14 in Altoona, bringing together leaders from across the state to shape the future of this vital industry.

Contact Us for Specific Stops

If you want more details about any specific tour stop, including media access, schedules or participation opportunities, please reach out:

Cami Schaefer
515-235-0575
cschaefer@iowaabi.org