The Cluster
As high-speed rail becomes a more prominent form of transportation in the United States, rail-related manufacturing is increasing in importance. The Rockford Region, because of its high concentration of advanced industrial manufacturing, available skilled labor force, and well developed logistics infrastructure, is well suited to support needs of the rail related manufacturing industry.

Logistics Infrastructure
The Rockford Area’s central location is ideal to support the logistics needs of your operation. From Rockford, approximately 80% of U.S. households can be reached within a 24 hour truck drive. The Rockford Area is part of the Greater Chicago Region, the largest multi-modal port in the United States, and the third largest in the world. With access to these world-class infrastructure assets, your company can have direct access to all major world markets, and also quick access to anywhere in the United States.

Supportive Business Environment
In the Rockford Region, local governments understand and support companies that do business globally. Local companies benefit from our
• U.S. Customs Port of Entry with 24/7 federal inspection service
• Foreign Trade Zone #176
• Onsite, same day Centralized Examination Station (CES)
These services mean time and cost savings for your operations.

Major Players and the Supply Chain
Companies such as Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (La Grange, IL) and Talgo, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI) are within a 90 minute drive of the Rockford Area. Additionally, these major rail players are collaborating with the Rockford Area to develop their regional supply chain.

Consider the Rockford Area
Rockford, a world leader in the production of machine tools, auto parts and primary and fabricated metals has a well-developed local infrastructure that supports the growing rail-related manufacturing industry. This rich cluster of transportation manufacturers makes the Rockford area highly attractive to other transportation, manufacturing and R&D-related employers. Jacob’s Engineering (formerly Carter Burgess), a major national site selection and architectural/engineering firm, determined that the Rockford area’s infrastructure and business climate is well suited for transportation equipment manufacturing companies.

Strengths in Local Cluster
• Highly skilled workforce
• Access to R&D, engineering, and technical talent
• Access to air, land, sea transportation
• Good regional suppliers
• Large, critical mass of companies
• Access to supply chain and component manufacturers
• Good job and wage impact
• High quality of life and culture
• Presence of other R&D operations in the region
• Training and higher education access

Concentrated Manufacturing Talent Above National Average
• 7.2 times, Machinery Manufacturing employment and R&D
• 4.2 times, Metals Manufacturing and R&D
• 3.4 times, Transportation Equipment Manufacturing and R&D
• 1.5 times above the Illinois average in engineer employment

Leading Manufacturing Community
• 1st in aerospace manufacturing in Illinois
• 2nd in manufacturing employment in Illinois
• 2nd in “on & off” road vehicle manufacturing in Illinois
• 2nd in industrial machine manufacturing in Illinois

Regional Market Uniqueness
• High quality of life in area
• Low cost of living
• Excellent infrastructure network and access, central location to north-south and eastwest markets
• Low transportation costs
• Low labor costs
• Positive labor/management relations
• Available/productive labor force
• Competitive utility infrastructure in place, reliable service
• Affordable sites and buildings
• Enterprise Zone, TIF, Industrial Development Revenue Bond and Revolving Loan Fund programs, and other incentives available
• Educational assets and workforce training available
• Quality community services in place
• Pro-development oriented communities
• Rural/urban environment
• Proximity to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison amenities