Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing is Indiana’s largest economic sector, accounting for approximately 23 percent of Indiana's jobs. A trained workforce, educational research parks and an emphasis on new technological developments, all lend to the state’s continued success and growth in the advanced manufacturing industry.

Explore the resources and opportunities available for your business.  

Manufacturing Statistics

Indiana is a proven leader in advanced manufacturing. Not only is advanced manufacturing the state’s primary economic driver, but it is also one of the most diverse in the state – with no single sub-sector accounting for more than 23 percent of employment.   

  • Advanced manufacturing and logistics industries account for 27 percent of Indiana employment and nearly 32 percent of the state gross product.
  • No. 1 in the U.S. in direct manufacturing as a percentage of total employment.
  • No. 1 in the U.S. as a percentage of Indiana’s gross domestic product $70 bollion.
  • No. 1 in steel production, manufactured housing, compact disks, musical instruments and elevators.
  • Ranks among North America’s top six in pharmaceutical and surgical supplies, automobile manufacturing, consumer electronic manufacturing and plastics manufacturing.

Educational Advantages

Educational institutions and research and development parks provide academic programs and access to research and technology breakthroughs that can help advanced manufacturing companies improve productivity and drive innovation.

  • Indiana’s Purdue University Center for Advanced Manufacturing works with local companies to bring together academic research and the applied needs of manufacturers.
  • The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program at Ivy Tech is designed to prepare students for the modern manufacturing environment. This program prepares students for employment with companies that have implemented team oriented design, production, quality, and maintenance systems within the manufacturing environment.
  • “Dream It. Do It.” is a campaign to broaden awareness about today’s manufacturing careers and is a collaboration between the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Manufacturing Institute, and Conexus Indiana.

Location and Transportation Advantages 

Indiana’s central location offers you a regional and global presence.

  • Indiana is the Crossroads of America and ranks first in interstate highway access, ninth in rail miles, 14th in maritime shipping and eighth in air freight.
  • Indianapolis International Airport is the 20th busiest cargo airport in the world and home to the second largest FedEx hub.

Indiana Advantages

Here are some additional Indiana business statistics:

  • Indiana ranked first in North America in creation of production jobs through foreign investment in a 2007 IBM study.
  • Survey of the nation’s top 605 CEOs ranked Indiana the 8th best state for business.
  • Indiana was ranked 12th in the State Business Tax Climate Index in 2007.
  • According to the American Legislative Exchange Council, Indiana leads the Midwest in Competitiveness (2007).
  • Indiana ranked the third most competitive state for business in 2006 by Site Selection Magazine.

Sources: Conexus Indiana, Indiana Manufacturing Association, The Indy Partnership