Defense

Defense companies in the Quad Cities are major players in our national safety. With our proximity to the Rock Island Arsenal, in-place supply chain and strengths in logistics, it's no wonder that the Quad Cities' defense industry is expanding. Over 500 Quad Cities businesses fulfill Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, and over 70 DoD organizations are located on the Rock Island Arsenal.

Alcoa Davenport Works produces unique armor for the U.S. military, and has manufactured 95% of all aerospace alloys ever created. Cobham Mission Systems supplies 95% of the world’s hose and drogue aerial refueling systems, a vital technology that transfers fuel from one aircraft to another mid-air. In the past 18 months alone, Cobham Mission Systems has been awarded over $1 billion in defense contracts. McLaughlin Body Company has been serving the military since WWI, has built over 50,000 cabs and produces lift systems, cargo trailers and other items critical to frontline missions.

Local organizations including the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, National Defense Industrial Association and Association of the US Army work closely with the business community to connect defense contractors with primes, creating new opportunities for local firms.

Download Defense sector wages here.
Download the Quad Cities Defense Industry brochure here.

Key Regional Advantages:

Close proximity to a major military installation
In-place fiber optic network to support high-demand data needs
Quick access to rail, barge, highway and air
In-place supply chain to support your business
Affordable utilities
Available workforce; high-caliber talent pool
Strong community partnership
Foreign Trade Zone

About the Rock Island Arsenal

The Rock Island Arsenal supports more than 54,000 active, reserve components, retired military, civilian employees and family members within a 150-mile radius. It impacts over 14,000 jobs, has a $1 billion impact on the local economy. Over $15 billion in contracts are obtained annually through the Rock Island Arsenal. The following commands are on the RIA: Army Contracting Command, Army Sustainment Command, Corps of Engineers - Rock Island District, FEMA, First Army, Joint Manufacturing Technology Center and Joint Munition Command.