McLean County Sees Manufacturing Boom with New Jobs and Factories
McLean County, Illinois, traditionally recognized for State Farm Insurance and Illinois State University, is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a hub for manufacturing. Local officials report thousands of new jobs created by Rivian’s electric vehicle factory and a new candy facility producing Ferrero’s popular Kinder Bueno.
Patrick Hoban, president of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, noted Rivian’s rapid expansion from 300 to 8,000 employees, signifying a broader trend of manufacturing growth in small urban areas. According to a report from the Economic Innovation Group, McLean County is part of a national rebound in manufacturing jobs, which have increased from 12.9 million in 2019 to present-day levels—a notable recovery since the 1970s recession.
While the overall manufacturing job market remains below the peak of 19.4 million in 1979, recent trends indicate a shift towards small cities and rural areas, contrasting with larger urban centers that have stagnated. States like Nevada, Utah, and Florida have reported substantial manufacturing job gains, with companies attracted by lower labor costs and favorable state laws.
This manufacturing surge is bolstered by federal initiatives aimed at revitalizing American jobs, particularly blue-collar roles, amid a backdrop of declining union influence. Average wages in manufacturing are relatively competitive at approximately $34.42 per hour. However, experts caution that without robust union support, current and future manufacturing workers may struggle to achieve the stable middle-class lifestyles enjoyed by previous generations.
As the Biden administration promotes policies to enhance blue-collar employment in small towns, the results have been mixed politically, reflecting the complex landscape of modern American manufacturing.
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