In this episode of Kankakee Valley Community Happenings, host Mike Tomano sits down with Angela Morrey from the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County to observe Manufacturing Month and examine the industrial footprint across the region.
The discussion highlights key data points defining local production, with a significant focus on food processing. Kankakee County maintains more than 2,400 jobs in the food processing sector alone—ranking 128 percent above the national average—with an anticipated 11 percent industry growth projected over the next five years. Morrey shares insights into regional facilities, including Rise Baking in Manteno, which produces commercial baked goods for national retailers and Panera Bread, alongside developments such as Mighty Cake Company moving into the former Johnsonville site in Momence.
The episode also covers other manufacturing strengths throughout Kankakee County, including plastics manufacturing at Pactiv, regional steel production, beverage can manufacturing at Crown Cork, and commercial ink production for national packaging.
To learn more about local business development and industrial resources, visit kankakeecountyed.org or call 815-935-1177.
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