Buffalo County is Perfect for Advanced Manufacturing: An Established Industrial Base With a Skilled Regional Workforce and Room to Grow

Buffalo County, Nebraska, is a production-ready environment where advanced manufacturing companies scale efficiently and compete nationally. Anchored by mature manufacturing sectors and a growing pipeline of technical talent, the region delivers critical inputs for site selectors and business leaders: workforce availability, existing industrial infrastructure, strategic access to markets, and stable, cost-competitive operations.

A Manufacturing Workforce That's Already Producing

Manufacturing is the largest employment sector in the Buffalo County area, with 20,225 jobs and an average wage of $60,556. More than 75 manufacturers operate here, supported by a regional labor pool of 109,409 and a steady population increase that outpaces state and national averages. This workforce understands production and moves quickly.

Existing industry strengths include:

  • Animal Slaughtering and Processing
  • Plastic and Rubber Product Manufacturing
  • Fabricated Metal Products
  • Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing

These sectors have laid the groundwork for supply chain resilience, operational efficiency, and an adaptable workforce. Their presence also creates meaningful vertical and lateral integration opportunities for incoming advanced manufacturers.

Key Growth Industries Aligned with Regional Strengths

Buffalo County is positioned to support a range of key manufacturing sectors that align with its workforce capabilities, transportation assets, and business climate:

Animal Food Manufacturing

Proximity to Nebraska's large-scale agricultural and livestock industries creates ready access to raw inputs. Existing talent in food processing and quality assurance supports expansion. Companies producing pet food, livestock feed, or specialty nutrition products benefit from short supply chains and robust distribution infrastructure.

Basic Chemical Manufacturing

The region's low operating costs and ample access to industrial utilities make it a viable option for basic chemical production. Opportunities exist for firms specializing in industrial compounds, agricultural chemicals, or intermediate materials used in plastics, rubber, or metal coating processes.

Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing

With a strong base in fabricated metals and a growing construction equipment cluster, Buffalo County is a prime location for companies producing structural steel components, metal framing, and custom fabrication for industrial and commercial clients.

Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing

This is one of Buffalo County's most aligned sectors. Local manufacturers already produce hydraulic systems, heavy-duty components, and precision-machined parts used in agriculture and construction equipment. Proximity to agriculture and demand from regional OEMs make this sector an ideal fit.

General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing

Buffalo County's combination of electrical, mechanical, and metalworking skillsets enables the production of motors, pumps, compressors, and material handling systems. With access to suppliers and industrial utilities, this sector can scale efficiently.

Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

Buffalo County's existing experience with parts manufacturing and component assembly makes It a viable site for the production of aviation, rail, or specialty vehicle equipment. The region's transportation access supports outbound shipping to national assembly plants and aftermarket channels.

Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing

As healthcare demand grows across the Midwest, manufacturers of diagnostic tools, mobility aids, and disposable supplies can benefit from Buffalo County's lower costs, clean operating environment, and proximity to regional medical systems.

 

 

Proven Employers. Scalable Operations.

Buffalo County manufacturers serve national and global markets from right here in central Nebraska:

  • Fasse Valves designs and produces electrohydraulic components for OEMs across agriculture and equipment sectors.
  • Badass Workbench has built a fast-growing catalog of durable fabrication equipment with global distribution.
  • Baldwin Filters (Parker Hannifin) employs over 1,000 people locally and manufactures filtration systems for trucking, farming, marine, and construction applications.
  • Eaton Corporation operates a precision forge facility in Kearney, employing 700+ and supplying critical parts to the agriculture, automotive, and marine industries.

These companies leverage the region's workforce, transportation infrastructure, and tax advantages to scale and compete. Their continued success proves the region's viability for advanced and technical manufacturing.

Shovel-Ready Industrial Sites With Reliable Infrastructure and Utilities

Buffalo County can accommodate facility development at scale. Available properties include:

  • 21 existing buildings ranging from 1,200 to 26,254 square feet
  • 10 available development sites, from 3.25 acres to 140.98 acres

All sites feature reliable access to water, wastewater, natural gas, and electric service.

In addition, Buffalo County's location offers excellent access to U.S. markets. Located along the I-80 corridor, near Class I rail, regional airports, and intermodal hubs, companies can move inputs and finished goods efficiently.

Competitive Operating Costs and Tax Climate

Buffalo County offers cost stability and tax advantages compared to other central manufacturing locations:

The lowest property tax rate (1.7423%) among Nebraska's five most populated counties
Lowest municipal levy (0.14887) among Nebraska's 30+ First Class Cities

Nebraska's tax structure supports long-term investment. The state ranks favorably for sales tax and unemployment insurance burdens and is phasing corporate and individual income tax rate reductions.

Workforce Training and Industry Collaboration

Buffalo County supports manufacturers through strong education-industry partnerships. Local training providers, including community colleges and technical schools, collaborate directly with employers to deliver welding, machining, mechatronics, and production technology programs.

Workforce development programs are designed to be responsive and industry-specific.

Manufacturers can use customized training solutions, internship pipelines, and recruitment partnerships to meet their short—and long-term labor needs.

Manufacturing Growth is a Priority

Buffalo County and its partners are aligned on expanding advanced manufacturing. Local leadership works directly with site selectors, industry decision-makers, and utility providers to streamline development timelines and provide access to workforce programs, state incentives, and infrastructure planning.

Make Buffalo County Part of Your Manufacturing Strategy

Contact the Development Council for Buffalo County to evaluate available sites, workforce resources, and local support.  We're ready to help you build, expand, and succeed in Buffalo County.