Plastics Manufacturing
Manufacturing plays a significant role in the Western Wisconsin economy, from the region's high concentration of businesses to its creation of high-wage, high-skill jobs. A key sub-category of the industry is the manufacturing of plastics, necessary for a wide range of everyday applications.
Plastic manufacturing examples include common (but often overlooked) products such as water and milk packaging, phone cases, household goods, construction materials, medical devices, and much more.
Major Employers by County
Location Advantages
Western Wisconsin maintains a presence as a bustling manufacturing hub due to ongoing partnerships between industry leaders, educational institutions, and workforce partners. As of 2025, the region boasted 1,013 manufacturing businesses, employing over 30,000 workers. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Western Wisconsin is the No. 2 region in the nation for manufacturing concentration. The manufacturing industry’s regional prevalence has made Western Wisconsin a hotbed for innovation, stable jobs and enduring economic prosperity.
Educational Opportunities
Workforce development organizations and initiatives have been crucial in fueling the manufacturing industry in Western Wisconsin. Manufacturing Alliance Western Wisconsin provides industry information and career pathways while working closely with area businesses, colleges and technical institutions. Gold Collar Careers is another helpful resource for manufacturers, educators, and students alike, assisting with career development and placement while breaking down the many sectors that comprise the manufacturing industry.
Western Wisconsin has a surplus of universities, colleges and technical institutes that offer manufacturing-related courses, hands-on experience, and degrees. The University of Wisconsin, including its UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, and UW-Barron County campuses, serves the region, as do Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC). Private institutions include Lakeland University and North Cedar Academy.
UW-Stout, known as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, plays a central role in advanced manufacturing education. It houses the UW System’s only polymer/plastics and manufacturing engineering programs and supports industry through its Manufacturing Outreach Center, which provides strategic guidance, process improvement, and onsite training across Northcentral Wisconsin. The Stout Technology Transfer Institute further strengthens business competitiveness by helping companies implement innovative technologies.