The Poplar Bluff Region
The Poplar Bluff region is home to a large Briggs & Stratton presence, and has significant strengths and talent when it comes to advanced manufacturing. Manufacturing jobs represent more than 10% of employment on average for counties in the region. The regional workforce totals more than 80,000 and eight counties in the region are Certified Work Ready Community, which means there is an ample supply of qualified labor in the region.
The region has quick Interstate access via US 60, 63, 67 and 160, is served by two Class 1 railroads and less than a one hour drive to the Southeast Missouri Port on the Mississippi, allowing unrestricted access to Gulf of Mexico and global destinations.
Major Cities
- Poplar Bluff (Pop: 16,232)
- West Plains (12,528)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022
Key Employers
- Briggs & Stratton (Poplar Bluff)
- Caterpillar (Pomona)
- Leonardo DRS Land Systems (West Plains)
- Gates (Poplar Bluff)
- Hutchens Industries (Mansfield)
- Mcclain Forest Products (West Plains)
- Mid Continent Steel and Wire (Poplar Bluff)
- Royal Oak Enterpises (West Plains)
- Starting USA (Poplar Bluff)
- Western Dairy Transport (Cabool)
![WorkforceData[2]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/WorkforceData2.png)
Sites and Buildings
![Buildings[2]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Buildings2.png)
