Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour

2025 Tour Recap
This October, the Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour hit the road to showcase the exciting career opportunities in advanced manufacturing across Iowa—and what a journey it was!

Over the course of two weeks, the tour connected hundreds of students, educators, and job seekers with Iowa’s top manufacturers, offering an up-close look at the innovation, technology, and rewarding careers that fuel our state’s economy.

Watch the 2025 Tour Recap Video: https://youtu.be/gq7Vh1ON360
View the Photo Gallery https://www.iowaabi.org/events/photos/

Celebrating Iowa’s Makers
From the kickoff celebration in Ames to the grand finale at the Iowa Manufacturing Conference in Altoona, the Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour traveled across the state, spotlighting companies and communities that make Iowa’s manufacturing sector one of the strongest in the nation.

Highlights included:

  • Governor Kim Reynolds’ Manufacturing Day proclamation in Des Moines
  • Interactive demonstrations and facility tours at leading manufacturers including 3M, John Deere, Emerson, Vermeer, and more
  • Hands-on career exploration for students at high schools, community colleges, and innovation centers
  • Stories of innovation and opportunity shared by Iowa manufacturers, inspiring the next generation of makers

Tour stops included:
Ames • Ankeny • Marshalltown • Conrad • Waterloo • Independence • Fairfield • Oskaloosa • Pella • Des Moines • Altoona

Why Manufacturing Matters in Iowa
Manufacturing continues to be Iowa’s backbone—driving economic growth, powering innovation, and creating rewarding careers. From food production to advanced automation, Iowa-made products touch every part of daily life.

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)

The Relaunch of Elevate Iowa
The 2025 Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour marked the official relaunch of the Elevate Iowa program, renewing our mission to promote Iowa’s manufacturing workforce and connect people to the many rewarding career pathways in this vital industry.

Stay connected as we continue to elevate manufacturing through education, storytelling, and statewide engagement.

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