Business Climate

Galesburg possesses a productive and dependable workforce!

Galesburg area employers speak highly of the productive, dependable workforce. As manufacturing changed with increased foreign trade, two major employers ceased operations and left approximately 2,500 workers unemployed in 2004. Seizing a unique opportunity, area businesses have increased employment levels, but many skilled workers remain underemployed.

Galesburg's transportation industry has been a central component of its revitalization efforts. BNSF Railway Company employs about 1300 workers in the Galesburg Classification yard. BNSF operates seven main lines that converge on Galesburg. Nearly 150 trains travel through Galesburg before being re-routed to their final destination. Galesburg is a strategic location for distribution operations, transloading, rail equipment manufacturing, assembly and repair operations, and value-added agribusiness.

In addition to expanding existing businesses, Galesburg has attracted several new employers in the past two years. Companies like Westcode, Inc., Simmers Crane Design & Services, SuTech USA expanded to Galesburg for its low costs, market access and transporation assets. Dick Blick Company has added nearly one-half million square feet of distribution space over the past ten years, and BNSF Railway has added almost 400 workers to their Galesburg payroll. In fact, nearly 1 of every 4 BNSF employees in Illinois work in Galesburg.