MPC | WHY MANUFACTURING

Why Manufacturing?

Manufacturing makes the things that make our world work.

It brings together skill, technology, creativity, and problem-solving to turn ideas and raw materials into something real.

And right here in McHenry County, it's creating careers, driving our economy, and building what's next.

BUILD

SOMETHING REAL

See the results of your work in products that make a difference every single day

WORK WITH

TECHNOLOGY

From CNC machines to robotics and AI, manufacturing is on the cutting edge

FIND YOUR

PATH

Apprenticeships, certifications, or college—there’s more than one path to a manufacturing career.

GROW YOUR

CAREER

Opportunities to learn, advance, specialize, lead, and build a career that lasts

BE PART OF

SOMETHING BIGGER

Manufacturing drives our community, strengthens our economy, and shapes the future.

What is Modern Manufacturing?

Manufacturing is where skilled people, advanced technology, and problem-solving come together to make the products and components our world depends on. It is machinists and welders turning raw material into precision parts and fabrications. It is engineers designing solutions, quality professionals making sure they are right, and automation and technology changing what is possible.

And it doesn't stop on the shop floor. Every manufacturer also relies on people in purchasing, logistics, sales, marketing, accounting, human resources, IT, leadership, and more to keep everything moving.

ADVANCED

MACHINING

MARKETING +

COMMUNICATIONS

ROBOTS +

AUTOMATION

QUALITY +

METROLOGY

WELDING +

FABRICATION

IT + DATA

SYSTEMS

LOGISTICS +

SUPPLY CHAIN

FIANANCE + ACCOUNTING

ENGINEERING +

DESIGN

HR + PEOPLE

OPERATIONS

MANUFACTURING POWERS MCHENRY COUNTY

#3

LARGEST INDUSTRY BY JOBS

12,398

MANUFACTURING

JOBS

#1

INDUSTRY BY ECONOMIC OUTPUT

$2.03B+

MANUFACTURING
GRP

Source: McHenry County Economic Development Corporation | Date Year: 2024

HEAR THE WHY

Everyone finds their way into manufacturing differently. Hear from the people who live it every day.

The Why Axis: Submitted by Thomas Faber

“My journey into manufacturing started when I became a career counselor and worked with job seekers to find a career. With a background in education and teaching, I did not know much about the manufacturing industry. Why would I? I began visiting businesses to do tours of manufacturing to learn about available jobs. I remember being captivated by the variety of manufacturing occupations, unique products being made and the skills required. When the consortium was formed to cre

The Why Axis: Submitted by Daniel Dodeler

“Having worked for a growing aerospace manufacturer, I was fortunate to experience the unbelievable challenges of unprecedented growth linked to new engine programs. We planned and prepared extensively, developing new technologies and processes to incorporate in a new plant, while acutely being aware that one of the greatest obstacles to overcome would be linked to talent development and acquisition. Green field events can prepare you to deliver long-term competitive advantag

The Why Axis: Submitted by Patricia Holton

“Manufacturing is the backbone of the U.S. economy. It provides jobs, fosters technological advancements and ensures the stability of countless supply chains. When asked to give my story regarding my career decision to work in manufacturing, I did what any normal person living in the 21st century would do, I asked Google for help. The above words were Google’s explanation of what manufacturing is. However, manufacturing is that and so much more. I’ve worked in various secto

The Why Axis: Submitted by Kelly Jorgenson

“ Hi. My name is Kelly Jorgenson, and I am the Director of Human Resources at Jessup Manufacturing Company in McHenry, IL. I joined Jessup 9 years ago after leaving another McHenry County manufacturing company where I worked for 17 years. When I received my BS in Business/HR Management many moons ago, I started out my career in the hospitality industry. I loved it and thought I would stay in that industry my entire career. However, fast forward to the year 2000 when I moved t

The Why Axis: Submitted by Jake Homuth

“ Growing up in McHenry County, I have consistently witnessed the incredible connection and collaboration among so many great organizations. The people working together to build a sustainable and successful community inspired me to get involved. My career has taken some twists and turns, spanning both the private and public sectors, but one thing has always remained consistent: my drive to serve people. Whether it's serving on the Woodstock School District 200 Board of Educ

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