Forging the Future in Manufacturing

As one of the more diverse sectors in Idaho, advanced manufacturing companies employ a robust workforce of over 60,000.

Advanced manufacturing is differentiated by the use of highly technological, cutting-edge processes and the employment of skilled, comparatively high-wage jobs. The advanced manufacturing sector in Idaho is growing rapidly and expanding to encompass ever more industries and occupations.

The state’s advanced manufacturing industry is driven by businesses large and small that produce food, computer and electronic products, transportation equipment, medical equipment, system and process equipment, chemicals and plastic products, wood products, fabricated metal products and machinery.

Quick Facts

$12.6 billion GDP (2023)

Idaho’s manufacturing industry generated $12.6 billion in GDP for the state.

Source: Emsi Lightcast, 2023

70,200 jobs

The manufacturing industry employs over 70,000 across the state.

Source: Emsi Lightcast, 2023

$88,900 average wage

The manufacturing industry is responsible for generating high-paying jobs. The average employee in the energy industry has a wage of over $88,000.

Source: Emsi Lightcast, 2023

Manufacturing is the third-largest industry in Idaho

Advanced manufacturing is the third-largest industry in Idaho, encompassing everything from food production equipment to trailer manufacturing.

See the full list of what makes up manufacturing below:

Food Processing • Arms, Ammo and Knife Manufacturing • Trailer Manufacturing • Jet Boat Manufacturing • Robotics • Lumber and Wood Products Manufacturing • Aerospace Manufacturing • Industrial Machinery • Electronics

Manufacturers in Idaho

Daher

Located in Sandpoint, Idaho, Daher is the world’s oldest aircraft manufacturer still in operation today. In its product lineup is the Kodiak 100, an all-terrain multi-purpose aircraft used around the world.

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Idaho Forest Group

Located in Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho, Idaho Forest Group operates six sawmills and one remanufacturing mill in north Idaho and western Montana, producing more than 1 billion board feet of lumber per year, making it one of the largest lumber producers in the U.S.

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Plexus

Located in Nampa, Idaho, Plexus is a global leader in complex product design, manufacturing, supply chain and aftermarket services. Since 1979, Plexus has partnered with companies to transform their concepts into branded products and deliver them to the market.

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More Manufacturers in Idaho

Resources

The Idaho Manufacturing Alliance, or IMA, is an organization created by manufacturers, for manufacturers committed to advocating for the industry and positively impacting public perception of manufacturing across Idaho. The organization provides a key resource for manufacturers in Idaho.
Great work requires great partnerships. That’s why the Idaho Workforce Development Council collaborates with more than a dozen partners across the state to reduce duplicate work, promote efficient use of funds, and ensure that Idahoans have top-notch services available to support their career.
TechHelp Manufacturing Specialists help Idaho manufacturers, food processors and entrepreneurs/inventors improve their competitiveness through continuous product and process innovation. Our consultants provide services statewide from our university-based offices in Boise, Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Pocatello.

Want to know what else Idaho has to offer?

View our incentives guide. Still have questions? Contact us.

Incentives Guide
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