Chicago has been famously called "The City That Works".
We have that moniker because Chicago has one of the largest manufacturing industries in the nation.
Chicago is where modern manufacturing thrives.
From advanced robotics and clean energy systems to aerospace, food production, and precision engineering, the region’s manufacturing base continues to evolve, adapt, and lead.
For more than a century, Chicago has built the tools, materials, and innovations that power the world. Today, that legacy is being redefined by a new generation of manufacturers investing in automation, sustainability, and workforce development.
WHY CHICAGO?
Unmatched Location: A central hub with world-class logistics — rail, road, air, and water — connecting North America’s supply chains.
Skilled Workforce: Nearly half a million workers employed in manufacturing-related industries, supported by leading institutions like the University of Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology, and City Colleges of Chicago.
Innovation Ecosystem: From mHUB to UI Labs, Chicago’s manufacturing innovation centers accelerate R&D, prototyping, and commercialization across sectors.
Competitive Advantage: With access to diverse talent, affordable industrial real estate, and a growing cleantech economy, manufacturers in Chicago achieve scale and resilience.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 400,000+ manufacturing and logistics workers across the metro area
$100B+ annual output from Chicago’s manufacturing sector
#2 U.S. metro for manufacturing employment diversity
250+ advanced manufacturing startups and scale-ups
Made in Chicago.
Built for the World.
World Business Chicago connects global manufacturers with the people, partners, and resources that make Chicago the nation’s manufacturing capital.