Advanced Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a $19 billion industry in Nebraska and is Nebraska’s largest industry. More than 100,000 people are employed in more than 2,000 manufacturing facilities. The state exports more than $7 billion in manufactured goods each year.

Advanced Manufacturing

Diverse Manufacturing Base

  • Food Processing: Nebraska is a leading state in food processing, particularly in meatpacking and dairy products. Companies like Tyson Foods, Smithfield Foods, and ConAgra Brands have significant operations in the state

  • Industrial and Ag Machinery and Equipment: The state has a strong presence in the production of agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, and transportation equipment.

  • Chemicals and Plastics: The chemical and plastics industry is also significant, producing a variety of products for both industrial and consumer use.

  • Fabricated Metals: Employment in the Primary Metal and Fabricated Metal Manufacturing sectors is expected to grow faster than employment at the national level.

  • Pet Food Manufacturing: Nebraska has an established and growing pet food processing environment with a high degree of specialization in animal food manufacturing and dog and cat food manufacturing. Currently, animal food processing — especially companion animal food processing — is one of the quickest-growing manufacturing sectors in Nebraska. Some manufacturers in the state include Fairview Mills, Alphia, Mars Pet Products, Nestle, and Royal Canin

Economic Impact

Manufacturing is one of Nebraska’s largest economic sectors, contributing billions to the state’s GDP. It provides high-paying jobs and is crucial for the state’s export activities. The sector supports a wide range of ancillary services, including logistics, maintenance, and supply chain management, further bolstering the state’s economy.

Employment

The manufacturing sector employs a substantial portion of Nebraska’s workforce, offering stable and well-paying jobs. It plays a critical role in the economic well-being of many communities across the state. There is a focus on developing a skilled workforce through various educational and training programs to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Innovation, Research, and Technology

Nebraska’s manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and IoT to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Collaboration with research institutions, such as the University of Nebraska, fosters innovation and technological advancement in the sector.

The University of Nebraska’s Nebraska Innovation Campus (NIC) is connecting the talents of experts, companies, and the university to create a unique culture of innovation. NIC is a research campus designed to facilitate new and in-depth partnerships between the University of Nebraska and private-sector businesses. NIC is adjacent to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and strategically provides access to research faculty, facilities, and students.

The Biomaterials Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is devoted to assisting companies in developing and commercializing industrial products using agricultural materials and byproducts. The network, across multiple University of Nebraska departments, assists clients in all areas of product development, from conception to manufacturing.

The Food Processing Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a multi-disciplinary resource for the food industry, providing a combination of consulting, educational, technical, and business development services. The center provides a wide range of customizable services, all delivered in a confidential, price-competitive, and timely manner.

The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides expert consulting, diverse training programs, industry events and workshops, and customized assistance to enrich the productivity, technological performance, and competitiveness of the state’s small- to medium-sized manufacturers.

Dream!t Do!t (DIDI) is the national umbrella brand for driving manufacturing growth in regional economies. Twenty states are currently participating in DIDI, including Nebraska, with the support of the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition.

The Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance is a group of five statewide manufacturing groups that coordinate their efforts to grow Nebraska’s manufacturing and STEM workforce over the next decade. The Alliance includes the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council, the Nebraska Advanced Manufacturing Coalition, the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Nebraska Chamber and the Nebraska Chapter of Women in Manufacturing.

Supportive Infrastructure

The state offers a robust infrastructure that supports manufacturing activities, including excellent transportation networks (roads, rail, and air), reliable utilities, and modern facilities.

Nebraska’s central location in the U.S. makes it a strategic hub for distribution and logistics, benefiting manufacturers who need to ship products nationwide and internationally. Both coasts are accessible by truck in two days.

Business-Friendly Environment

Nebraska provides a favorable business climate with incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and low operating costs, making it an attractive location for manufacturing businesses.

State programs and initiatives, like the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC), offer support and resources to manufacturing companies.

Why Nebraska

Nebraska’s manufacturing sector is diverse and robust, playing a crucial role in the state’s economy. With strong support from the government, educational institutions, and a skilled workforce, the sector is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation.