Instruments

The instruments industry has strong roots in the Quad Cities region, in part because of the Rock Island Arsenal. Many private companies also support the instruments industry, which includes search, detection and navigation instrumentation, analytical laboratory instruments and other relate types of manufacturing.
 
  • Search, detection, and navigation instruments (NAICS 334511)
  • Analytical laboratory instrument maufacturing (NAICS 334516)

Key Regional Strengths for Instruments Businesses:

  • Employees with strong manufacturing know-how and Midwestern work ethic.
  • Areas within instrumentation have shown a relatively concentrated presence (location quotient of 4.58) and recent growth in the Quad Cities region.
  • This industry has shown strong growth in the region despite the recession.
  • Association with the existing defense industry, especially in businesses supplying Rock Island Arsenal.
  • Competitive costs of doing business, including electricity rates.
  • Available technology-related incubators.
  • Incentives available.
  • Throughout the Quad Cities region, machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing process is not subject to local property tax.


Available Labor for Jobs in Food and Packaging Related Industry (April 2010)

Standard Occupational Code
Title% of IndustryTarget JobsCompatible JobsTarget Median Hourly Earnings
13-1023
Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products
2.771,01513.581$31.13
15-1032
Computer software engineers, systems software
2.713512,680$43.63
51-4041
Machinists
1.51,1993,672$18.49






Source: Ady-Voltedge & Janus Economics, in proprietary research sponsored by Quad Cities First, 2010.

Notes: % of Industry = percent of industry skilled labor accounted for by each SOC; Target Jobs = Number of workers in the Quad Cities region that are classified in that SOC, regardless of industry; Compatible Jobs = Number of workers in the Quad Cities region that have highly compatible skill sets (O*Net). Contact Quad Cities First for information on additional Standard Occupation Codes and other related data.


Representative Regional Instruments Employers