Illinois Manufacturing $135B Economy
Illinois’ manufacturing sector is the backbone of its economic strength, adding more than $135 billion in value to its economy and accounting for 12.3% of the state’s GDP. It employs more than 574,700 people across over 13,000 manufacturing facilities, with a salary range averaging $106,763 annually—a figure well above non-farm incomes. In 2023 alone, Illinois exported $71.8 billion worth of goods to regions like Canada, Australia, and China. Illinois Manufacturing $135B Economy.
A Brief History of Manufacturing in Illinois
Illinois’ manufacturing journey began in the late 19th century. The Union Stock Yards transformed Chicago into a national meatpacking powerhouse, which later paved the way for nationwide industrial innovation.
Additionally, the Hawthorne Works in Cicero—operating from 1905 to 1983—became one of the world’s largest telephone-equipment factories and gave its name to the famous “Hawthorne effect” in industrial psychology. Over time, the state evolved into a diversified manufacturing hub, with sectors spanning machinery, automotive, steel, electronics, food processing, and beyond.
Beyond these icons, Illinois was also the birthplace of John Deere, which was founded in 1837 in Grand Detour. Deere’s early accomplishments helped revolutionize agriculture and helped establish Illinois as a serious contender for farm machinery. Needless to say, this growth helped create more job opportunities for the state.
Throughout the 20th century, heavy industry also flourished, with Chicago’s South Works steel plant and the mills of Granite City supplying steel for skyscrapers, railroads, and military equipment. The Pullman Company had turned Chicago into the center of U.S. railcar manufacturing, with its luxury sleeping cars eventually becoming an American symbol.
During World War II, Illinois manufacturers had ramped up production to support the Allied effort, building tanks, aircraft engines, and munitions. Companies like Caterpillar and International Harvester retooled to meet wartime demand. In the decades that followed, the state transitioned into new industries.
Abbott and later AbbVie grew into global pharmaceutical leaders, and companies like Motorola were at the forefront of innovations in communications technology. This ability to adapt and diversify has kept Illinois manufacturing relevant from the 19th century to today’s advanced-tech era.
Manufacturing Companies in Illinois Today
Illinois remains one of the country’s leaders in manufacturing, as the figures outlined in this article’s opening prove. Backed by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the state supports manufacturers with training opportunities and workforce education programs that prepare workers for high-demand jobs in advanced sectors like aerospace and life sciences.
Many of the benefits come from the state’s relatively central location. Illinois has the nation’s third-largest interstate system, the second-largest rail network, and direct access to both O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and the Mississippi River system. This makes Illinois an ideal location for suppliers, service providers, and even global exporters.
Another major export from Illinois is electric vehicles. This sector, along with clean energy, is a testament to how the state embraces innovation. One of the companies responsible for this growth is Rivian Automotive, which has transformed Normal, Illinois, into an EV production hub. At the same time, manufacturers like Medline and Lactalis continue to expand their operations in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and medical solutions.
Much of Illinois’ industry growth is due to various strategic development programs and public-private partnerships. For example, Wieland’s $500 million expansion in East Alton will preserve around 800 jobs while supporting U.S. clean energy production. Deals like this allow the state to attract more business and hire more employees, ultimately contributing to the local and national economies.
Largest Illinois Manufacturers
Rivian Automotive
Founded in 2009, Rivian is a world-renowned electric vehicle manufacturer with its flagship production facility in Normal, Illinois. The 3.3-million-square-foot plant hosts approximately 8,000 employees and produces the all-electric R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and custom electric delivery vans for Amazon. In 2024, its Illinois factory delivered 51,579 vehicles, generating nearly $5 billion in annual revenue.
Ford Motor Company — Chicago Assembly Plant
The Chicago Assembly Plant is Ford’s longest-running U.S. facility, with its business operations starting in 1924. The plant employs approximately 4,500 employees and manufactures SUVs like the Explorer and Aviator. While financial data for this particular plant isn’t publicly available, Ford reported a $184.9 billion revenue in 2024.
Medline Industries
Medline is the largest privately held U.S. medical supplies manufacturer, and is headquartered in Northfield. With about 5,000 Illinois-based employees, the company generated over $25.5 billion in net sales in 2024 and is currently preparing for a 2025 IPO that could potentially value it at near $50 billion.
Lactalis American Group
Lactalis is considered a global dairy powerhouse. The business employs over 1,600 people across its various office and plant locations, and is responsible for producing cheese and dairy brands like Président and Galbani. While Illinois-specific financial data isn’t available, research shows that Lactalis International reported over €30 billion globally, which indicates the scale and economic reach of its U.S. presence.
AbbVie
Based in North Chicago, AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical leader with more than 11,000 Illinois-based employees. The business uses resources and tools to develop transformational medicines and products for various core therapeutic areas. In 2024, AbbVie reported $56.3 billion in annual revenue and continues to make advancements in research and development.
Illinois Manufacturing Clusters
Food Processing and Packaging
Illinois remains a national leader in food production, with Chicago often referred to as the “food capital of the world.” Huge organizations like Kraft Heinz and Conagra Brands operate major facilities in the state. This cluster supports tens of thousands of employees and is proving to be future-proof due to several new processes and sustainable packaging solutions.
Automotive and Electric Vehicles
As outlined in this article, Illinois is a major player in automotive and EV manufacturing. Several government initiatives and incentives support the state’s manufacturing cluster, which is contributing to one of the fastest-growing clusters in the state’s economy.
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
Northern Illinois is home to some of the biggest pharmaceutical and chemical companies. These manufacturers are constantly working on new drug development, industrial chemical production, and distribution around the world. These companies work around the clock, contributing to Illinois’ high productivity rates and growing economy.
Metals and Machinery
Illinois has a long history of steelmaking and machinery production, which remains a major part of its economy today. Despite a shift in heavy industry over the decades, Illinois manufacturers continue to supply steel, fabricated metals, and precision machinery to several other industries.
Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products
With manufacturers like Medline and Baxter leading the way, Illinois has built a strong cluster around healthcare and life sciences manufacturing. Manufacturers in these industries work hard to make medical devices, hospital supplies, and advanced surgical equipment.
Illinois Manufacturing $135B Economy—Summary
Illinois has been a national manufacturing powerhouse. Starting with steel, machinery, and agriculture, and growing into a hub for innovation, new techniques and products, and a fresh vision. The state has a manufacturing output of over $135 billion annually. The manufacturing sector remains one of the largest contributors to the state’s overall economy.
Illinois has positioned itself as a leader in the future of clean energy and EVs. Despite going strong with pre-established sectors like healthcare and food. It has an impressive track record of keeping up with new trends and interests. There’s no doubt Illinois will continue to be a national leader in manufacturing. Illinois Manufacturing $135B Economy.
Source: Illinois Manufacturing $135B Economy
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