The manufacturing sector still constitutes an important part of local and
regional economies in the United States, especially in rural areas. Given the
nature of the global economy, policy-makers need to identify areas of economic
comparative advantage that they can build upon; and areas of economic
vulnerability that they need to strengthen.
Missouri has a moderate to significantly diversified manufacturing base.
Counties that have a fully diversified manufacturing base include Buchanan,
Greene, Howell, Jasper, Lawrence, Pettis and St. Louis City. However, several
counties are dependent upon one type of manufacturing, including Monroe,
Putnam, Sullivan and Worth Counties.
Between 1990 and 1999, the number of counties that are highly specialized in
top-of-cycle manufacturing has increased - from 10 in 1990 to 16 in
1999. In 1999, top-cycle manufacturing employment was particularly
concentrated in Boonville/Marshall, Clinton/Warrensburg, Missouri River
valley, Hannibal/Macon, Joplin/Springfield, the Lake of the Ozarks, Maryville,
the Missouri Bootheel, and suburban St. Louis.
Between 1990 and 1999, the number of counties that are highly specialized in
bottom-of-cycle manufacturing has decreased - from 57 in 1990 to 47 in
1999. In 1999, bottom-cycle manufacturing was concentrated in the
east-central, southeast, south-central, and southwest regions of the state.
Between 1990 and 1999, the number of counties that are highly specialized in
resource-based manufacturing has remained stable - from 41 in 1990 to
40 in 1999. In both years, this type of manufacturing has concentrated around
lumber and wood products in the southeast and south-central; food processing
in the southwest; and agricultural and food processing in the central and
northern portions of Missouri.
Between 1990 and 1999, the number of counties that are highly specialized in
high-technology manufacturing has increased - from 11 in 1990 to 16 in
1999. In 1999, high-tech manufacturing was concentrated in Chariton and Howard
Counties, Hannibal, suburban St. Louis, Fulton, the Lake of the Ozarks,
Springfield, and Popular Bluff .
