Fueling Innovation in Auto Manufacturing

Missouri is a powerhouse for automotive manufacturing, with the state’s skilled talent fueling innovation for leaders like Ford and GM. 

In 2023 alone, Missouri produced over 678,000 vehicles at Ford and GM plants, including every Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana on the market. Missouri is also the production hub for many of the Ford Transit vans and more than 290,000 Ford F-150s.

• 19 %

  of all Fords are made in Missouri
• 8 %

  of all GM vehicles are made in Missouri

In 2022, Ford began shipping the all-new E-Transit™, the electric version of America’s best-selling commercial van, from its plant in Kansas City, Missouri – the company’s first U.S. plant to assemble both batteries and all-electric vehicles in-house. 

Specialized Manufacturing Talent That Drives Results

Missouri is home to specialized talent that delivers significant production for Ford and GM and more than 130 automotive manufacturers and suppliers across the state. 

Companies find the hard working and highly-skilled manufacturing workforce they need among Missouri’s deep, experienced talent pool. 

The state is also home to cutting-edge research and education centers that fuel innovation and support manufacturers, including:

• Alliance for Collaborative Research in Alternative Fuels Technology (All-Craft)
• Collaborative Autonomous Systems Laboratory
• Center for Applied Science and Engineering (CASE)
• Emerson Center for Engineering Manufacturing
• EaglePicher’s Lithium Ion Center of Excellence

The University of Missouri’s Mizzou Eco-Racing team, formerly known as the Society for the Development of Alternative Energy, boasts an impressive track record of achievements. Before focusing on hydrogen-powered vehicles, the team developed six solar cars, starting in the early 1990s and continuing through the early 2000s.

• $ 7 B+

  in mobility exports
• $ 4 B+

  invested since 2010

Accelerating Progress Through Research Centers

Research centers across the state are at the forefront of advancing energy, marine, and automotive innovation. 

These centers of excellence provide cutting-edge solutions and vital support to manufacturers by driving advancements in energy storage, sustainable materials, and advanced engineering:

• The Advanced Energy Materials & Systems Lab at Missouri S&T
• The Center for Research in Energy and Environment at Missouri S&T
• EaglePicher Lithium Ion Center of Excellence in Joplin
• Missouri Center for Advanced Power Systems (MOCAP) at Missouri Southern State University
• Thomas J. O’Keefe Institute for Sustainable Supply of Strategic Minerals at Missouri S&T

Additionally, Washington University in St. Louis is advancing the industry and fueling Missouri’s talent pipeline through two major programs: 

• The world’s first and only Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering
• The Solar Energy and Energy Storage group within its McKelvey School of Engineering

Together, these research centers and programs position Missouri as a national leader in innovation, providing manufacturers with the resources, expertise, and talent needed to drive the future of energy, marine, and automotive industries.

A Boat Building Capital of the World

Missouri is home to a thriving boat manufacturing industry, with prominent companies such as Marine Technology Inc. (MTI), Landau Boats, and White River Marine Group.

These manufacturers contribute to a wide range of high-quality boats, serving diverse customer needs. Lebanon, Missouri, stands out as a key hub in the industry, earning recognition as the “aluminum boat-building capital of the world” and hosting major brands like G3 Boats, Lowe Boats, and Tracker Marine.

Missouri’s boat manufacturing reputation also includes a focus on specialized and innovative designs. Companies like Legend SS Boats, Blazer Boats, and Black Thunder Offshore bring expertise and craftsmanship to the industry, offering a variety of options to meet evolving market demands. With this breadth of production capabilities and commitment to quality, Missouri solidifies its position as a leader in the marine manufacturing industry.

An Ideal Location for Manufacturing

Every Class 1 railroad in the U.S. comes to Missouri, creating direct rail access to suppliers in Mexico and Canada, as well as major deep-water ports across North America. Missouri’s ports remain ice-free year-round, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation of goods and materials. 

Combined with the state’s extensive interstate highways, this infrastructure streamlines supply chains, reduces costs, and supports the needs of mobility manufacturers.

Major Mobility Manufacturers in Missouri