How Manufacturing Shapes York County’s Economy

Manufacturing is one of the leading industries in York County, Nebraska, employing 13.8% of the workforce. As of 2023, 987 people were employed in the York County manufacturing sector, earning a median annual salary of $53,527.

At the same time, the manufacturing sector doesn’t operate in a silo. Local firms rely on York County businesses, schools, and community groups to grow their operations.

“Our manufacturing firms continue to bring new jobs to the region by developing new products and embracing innovative processes,” says Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation (YCDC). “We do our best to support them and connect their teams to resources and opportunities throughout the community.”

October is National Manufacturing Month, a time to consider the industry‘s contributions and reflect on how it shapes York County’s economy and community. 

Diverse Manufacturing Sectors Strengthen York County 

The state of Nebraska is home to 1,960 manufacturing establishments employing more than 104,000 people. Food, fabricated metal, and machinery manufacturing lead the way, especially food production, where York County plays a vital role.

These manufacturing trends are reflected in York County's economy. York County’s 106 cattle producers and 403 crop producers make it a natural fit for food manufacturers that want to locate close to the source.

For example, Pellet Technology USA manufactures animal feed for cow-calf producers. It purchases corn co-products from local ethanol facilities and sells its products to farms across the Midwest. Green Plains is one of the largest biorefining companies in the region, with an annual production capacity of 60 million gallons, and its York Innovation Campus draws visitors and people from around the world for tours and product meetings.

York County’s manufacturing success also extends far beyond agriculture. Collins Aerospace has a large regional footprint, creating parts for jet aircraft that will be sold to Boeing and Airbus.

“If it flies – commercially or for the military – we probably make a part in York that ends up on it,” said Doug Rood, Senior Manager, Operations Quality at Collins, in a 2023 interview for YCDC.  

Klute, Inc. has been part of York County’s manufacturing landscape since 1961 and recently completed a new building that doubles its production capabilities. This manufacturer produces substation and transmission line projects for the electrical utility industry.

Additional manufacturers in York County include Cyclonaire, Corteva, Agri-products, Cornerstone Building Brands, Kroy Industries, Preferred Snacks, and York Cold Storage; each contributing to the county’s strong and diverse manufacturing base.

The Manufacturing Industry Supports the Entire Community

Manufacturers are more than job creators, they are the cornerstone of York County and countless other communities across Nebraska. By employing 13.8% of the workforce, manufacturers provide wages that circulate throughout the local economy. Restaurants, shops, and other small businesses grow when employment at local facilities increases.

They also contract local businesses and vendors to support their operations. This contract work ranges from printers creating business cards, to contractors, to accountants offering tax support.

Beyond the business partnerships, many York County manufacturers collaborate with local schools by attending career fairs, mentoring students, and helping shape technical education programs. They know that some York graduates will become employees and want to support students through the transition and training processes.

York County manufacturers even invest in adult career development. Klute plays a significant role in bringing the Dale Carnegie Leadership Course to the community. This helps its high-potential employees and residents across the region to grow the skills needed to be the leaders of tomorrow. In partnership with YCDC, Klute is committed to hosting three courses in 2026, two under general skills focused on communications and stress, and one management training. Sharing these plans early allows organizations across greater Nebraska to include these valuable programs in their 2026 professional development budgets..

“It’s easy to overlook just how much manufacturing contributes to our local economy,” says Hurley. “From the coffee shop on the corner to the playground at the school, many of the things we enjoy every day are supported by the wages and taxes paid by manufacturers.” 

Manufacturers Also Need the York County Community 

Manufacturers have a symbiotic relationship with York County’s people and businesses. They also can’t operate without the community's support. They rely on a skilled and adaptable workforce, dependable utilities, and vibrant local amenities. The same coffee shop that the wages of manufacturing employees support gives back by retaining and attracting talent because it makes York County a great place to live.  

“Some of York County’s manufacturers have operated in the region long enough to have multiple generations of employees working there,” says Hurley. “They are trusted and respected in the community, and we are doing all we can to help them grow and thrive. However, there’s still room for new firms to establish their operations and create opportunities for residents.”

Manufacturing Month is the perfect time to reflect on how manufacturing and York County strengthen one another. From food processing and aerospace to biofuels and metal manufacturing industries, these industries are stronger because of York County, and York County is stronger because of them.

Every business has an impact on the American economy, whether it’s a small staffing company or a massive ethanol producer. York County, its citizens, and manufacturers do their part to move the country forward. 

Choose York County for a Stronger Economy

Several industries, community groups, and organizations work together to make York County a wonderful place to live. From employers moving to the region to arts organizations celebrating the local culture, York County continues to attract families, workers, and employers.

Learn why people are choosing York County and discover the advantages of businesses locating here. There’s plenty of room to grow, support for success, and countless opportunities to thrive.