Skip to main content.
  • Linkedin
  • X-twitter
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Contact Us
    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Logo
    • Home
    • About
      • Community Partnerships
      • Board of Directors
      • Become a Board Member
      • Contact
    • Investment
    • Live
      • Our Communities
      • History
      • Education
      • Healthcare
      • Love, Abilene
      • Real Estate
      • Realtors
      • Get Involved
      • Housing
      • Out + About
        • Activities
        • Culture
        • Parks and Recreation
    • Business
      • Starting a Business
      • Major Employers
      • Business Resources
      • Workforce Resources
    • Grow
      • Dickinson County Profile
      • Community Profiles
        • Abilene
        • Carlton
        • Chapman
        • Enterprise
        • Herington
        • Hope
        • Manchester
        • Solomon
        • Woodbine
      • Target Industries
      • Location Advantages
      • Infrastructure
      • Location Advantages
      • Site Selector Resources
      • Sites + Buildings
        • Available Properties
        • Available Sites
      • Incentives
        • State Incentives
        • Local Incentives
    • Latest News
    • Community Calendar
      • Submit an Event
    • Job Boards
    Latest News
    1. Home
    2. Latest News
    3. Why Companies Should Onshore In Dickinson County
    View Custom Report How do I use these tools?
    Why Companies Should Onshore in Dickinson County main photo

    Why Companies Should Onshore in Dickinson County

    August 21, 2020

    Nearly two-thirds of United States manufacturing companies surveyed by Thomas report business disruptions due to the COVID-19 crisis. As a widespread issue impacting virtually all industries, onshoring is top of mind for business executives who have watched their supply chains be disrupted and product deliveries delayed over the past six months. For four decades, companies have offshored manufacturing operations overseas in order to save costs. COVID-19 has forced companies to ask, “At what cost?” If the cost is an inability to supply customers and fulfil contracts, it may not be worth it. Onshoring is the logical solution to reducing the risk of future disruptions and delays, at least in part. Though companies may not be looking to move their entire operations back to the states, opening U.S. manufacturing facilities as part of their global operations certainly is. In that scenario, Dickinson County certainly has a lot to offer, including a central location in the country’s heartland for manufacturing, agriculture and distribution companies moving raw materials and finished products throughout the country. 

    In addition to companies onshoring directly, 28% of suppliers surveyed reported that they are seeking domestic sources. This will create expansion opportunities for current U.S. manufacturers. Dickinson County is uniquely positioned to support that growth and to be a home to growing companies, or those onshoring for the first time. 

    Why Companies Should Onshore in Dickinson County 

    Location

    Dickinson County is located in the country’s heartland, with a robust infrastructure, broadband, affordable real estate costs and a pro-business climate. Access to major metropolitan markets such as Denver, Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City and Oklahoma City are all within a six-hour drive. This entrepreneurial hub is home to many locally grown businesses that span the manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and service industries. As such, the county’s economy is strong and diverse, making Dickinson County one of the most affordable places to do business. The low cost of living combined with the business support provided by organizations like the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation results in the area being one of the best places to start a business in the country.

    Transportation Assets

    Dickinson County businesses have immediate access to I-70 and are only 20 miles from I-35. In addition, the community has ample access to main railroad infrastructure and has two airports only 45-minutes away. This creates an ease of access that enables Dickinson County businesses to transport raw materials and finished products throughout the country and the world. As a state, Kansas offers excellent transportation and marketing advantages for businesses as well. The state has focused on building and maintaining this infrastructure, resulting in significant economic benefits compared to other regions. 

    Available Commercial Sites

    Dickinson County has many available commercial properties and buildings ready for prospective business owners. For example, a 127-acre commercial property is currently available along I-70 in Solomon, Kansas, which is ten miles west of Abilene. The land is literally 100 feet south from the off ramp at exit #265. Water, sewer and electric infrastructure is run to the south edge of the property. And a 20,000 square-foot commercial building  is currently available to the north of the I-70 and State Highway 15 intersection. The one-story, former furniture retail store was built in 2004, has had only one tenant and is located in an Incentive Zone.

    Workforce

    Dickinson County has a large workforce pool that is skilled, loyal and dedicated. And the presence of several workforce training programs keep those workers at the forefront of technological requirements. Dickinson County is dedicated to helping local employers by providing access to workforce resources and by leveraging partnerships with entities such as Kansas State University, Kansas Works and the Department of Commerce. In addition, Dickinson County is within two hours of three major research universities, creating opportunities for attracting talent and partnering with universities on research or key initiatives.

    Reasons to Onshore Now

    COVID-19 has demonstrated the scope and scale of the impact a global pandemic can make, but it’s not the only disaster that can disrupt supply chains. Environmental factors are another one. The world has suffered an increase in severe hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, etc. - all things that are unpredictable and cannot be controlled. Unfortunately, many of the same countries where U.S. companies have manufacturing operations have been hardest hit by these disasters and their infrastructure is not secure enough to withstand them. For example, the 2001 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand had crippling effects on the electronics and automotive manufacturing sectors. Put simply - the global supply chain is fragile. Businesses who want to protect themselves must onshore at least part of their operations to protect their interests.

    We Can Help

    The process of finding a site, obtaining permits, constructing a facility, hiring and training a workforce may seem daunting. We understand and we are here to help. If onshoring is part of your business protection strategy, we can provide assistance throughout the entire process. Contact the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation to learn more.

    Resources and Further Reading 

    https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/60-of-u-s-manufacturers-say-business-has-been-impacted-by-coronavirus/ 

    https://knowledge-leader.colliers.com/bret_swango/covid-19-the-great-accelerator-of-onshoring-part-1/

    Default Set

    1. A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year! Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.
    2. Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.
    3. Best of All Worlds Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!
    4. A Proud Heritage History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.
    happy child exploring local shop

    A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year!

    Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.

    smiling business owners

    Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living

    A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.

    business owner laughing with customers

    Best of All Worlds

    Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!

    We Like Ike memorbelia

    A Proud Heritage

    History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.

    Previous Next
    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Logo
    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation203 NW 15th Abilene, KS 67410
    Phone: 785-200-3518 Fax: 785-200-3520
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Site Map
  • © 2025 Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation. All rights reserved. Economic Development Websites by Golden Shovel Agency.