A Manufacturing Powerhouse in Eastern Iowa
Manufacturing has shaped Cedar Rapids for more than a century. The city's location on the Cedar River, access to rail lines, and skilled workforce attracted industrial companies early in its history. Today, Cedar Rapids and the surrounding region produce sophisticated hardware ranging from avionics and communication systems to electrical distribution equipment, metal products, and heavy machinery. These manufacturers provide thousands of jobs and support a wide network of suppliers, engineers, and service providers.
The companies below represent some of the most influential hardware manufacturers in Cedar Rapids and the wider Eastern Iowa region. Together they demonstrate the depth and diversity of the area's industrial capabilities.
1. Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace is the largest employer in Cedar Rapids and a global leader in aerospace and defense technology. Its local operations design and manufacture avionics, flight deck displays, communication and navigation systems, and mission systems for commercial and military aircraft. The company's legacy as Rockwell Collins and earlier Collins Radio is deeply woven into the city's identity.
2. Schneider Electric (Square D)
Schneider Electric's Square D brand has a long manufacturing presence in Cedar Rapids, producing electrical distribution and control equipment such as panelboards and related products. These components are used in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities, supporting reliable and safe power distribution.
3. Terex
Terex has deep roots in Cedar Rapids through the Cedarapids heritage of crushing and screening equipment and asphalt and aggregate machinery. The brand's history reflects the city's long tradition of heavy equipment manufacturing for construction and mining industries.
4. PMX Industries
PMX Industries operates a major facility in Cedar Rapids that produces copper and copper alloy strip and coil products. Its materials are used in electronics, coinage, automotive components, and industrial applications, making it an important supplier in the global hardware supply chain.
5. Apache Inc.
Apache Inc. is a Cedar Rapids-based manufacturer and distributor of industrial products, including conveyor belting, hose, and related components. It serves industries such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing with products built for demanding environments.
6. Whirlpool Amana
Whirlpool operates a major appliance manufacturing facility in nearby Amana, continuing the heritage of the Amana brand known for refrigerators and home appliances. The plant is a significant employer for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area.
7. Kinze Manufacturing
Kinze Manufacturing, based in nearby Williamsburg, is a family-owned company known for planters and grain carts used by farmers worldwide. Its innovative equipment reflects Iowa's leadership in agricultural technology.
8. John Deere
John Deere operates significant manufacturing facilities in Iowa, including Waterloo and the Quad Cities area. Its tractors, engines, and precision agriculture technology rely on a network of Iowa suppliers, many of which are located in the Cedar Rapids region.
9. Vermeer
Vermeer, headquartered in Pella, manufactures agricultural, construction, and environmental equipment, including balers, trenchers, and horizontal directional drills. Its global reach demonstrates the strength of Iowa-based machinery manufacturing.
10. Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is an Iowa-based manufacturer of windows and doors with a national reputation for quality and innovation. Its products are widely used in residential and commercial construction across the Cedar Rapids area and beyond.
What Makes Eastern Iowa a Strong Manufacturing Region
Several advantages help manufacturers thrive in the Cedar Rapids region. A strong work ethic and multigenerational manufacturing experience provide a reliable workforce. Kirkwood Community College offers training programs in advanced manufacturing, welding, machining, and industrial technology, helping companies build talent pipelines. The region's central location and transportation infrastructure, including interstate highways, rail, and the Eastern Iowa Airport, make shipping efficient. A reasonable cost of doing business and supportive economic development organizations further encourage investment and expansion.
Trends in Hardware Manufacturing
Manufacturers in the region are investing heavily in automation, robotics, and smart factory technology to improve productivity and address labor shortages. Data from connected machines enables predictive maintenance and quality monitoring. Sustainability is becoming a priority, with companies reducing energy use and waste. Supply chain resilience has also gained importance, encouraging some companies to source more components domestically. Precision agriculture continues to drive innovation, as farm equipment increasingly incorporates sensors, GPS guidance, and software.
Careers in Cedar Rapids Manufacturing
Manufacturing careers in the region range from production and skilled trades to engineering, quality assurance, supply chain management, and software development. Many companies offer apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and clear advancement paths. For job seekers, the region provides stable opportunities with competitive wages and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest manufacturer in Cedar Rapids?
Collins Aerospace is widely recognized as the largest employer in Cedar Rapids, with a long history in avionics and communications dating back to Collins Radio.
How can I start a career in local manufacturing?
Many people begin through technical programs at Kirkwood Community College, apprenticeships, or entry-level production roles that offer on-the-job training and advancement opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa remain a vital center for hardware manufacturing. From avionics that guide aircraft around the world to equipment that helps farmers feed communities, local manufacturers combine tradition with innovation. These companies continue to strengthen the region's economy and showcase the talent of its workforce.