Industries in Eau Claire

Eau Claire is a bustling regional center for retail, education, recreation, medicine and research. In short the city of Eau Claire is a great place to start or advance your career. It is known for its growing competitive edge in the information technology industry, as well as for its quality higher education system. Located in the heart of the I-94 Corridor Technology Zone, Eau Claire is home to many hi-tech, international corporations. Hutchinson Technology Inc.  is among the biggest of these firms, employing over 1,000 employees. Silicon Logic Engineering is another hi-tech company located here.

With hi-tech industries comes the need for new technology. In Eau Claire this need is serviced by the NanoRite Center focused on micro-machining and nanotechnology. A cooperation between Technical College, two Universities, private and public sectors this facility allows access to resources for both starting and well-established entrepreneurs. Current business partners include MN Wire and Cable and OEM Micro.

Eau Claire also has a strong manufacturing base. It is home to 4 industrial parks, making it very attractive to newcomers. Phillips Plastics Corporation is a leading area employer and an innovative designer and developer of plastic and metal injection molding. It provides a wide range of career opportunities for the recent college grad or mid-career professional. PDM Bridge is also an important part of Eau Claire's manufacturing industry. It constructs important bridges all over the country and is known as an industry leader in the fabrication of complex bridge structures.

Behind every strong manufacturing economy is a flourishing retail industry. Eau Claire has an extensive range of retailers. Menards, Inc is another Eau Claire success story. Founded by Eau Claire resident John Menard, the company currently operates 225 home improvement stores in 11 Midwestern states. It is based in Eau Claire and is the area's largest employer, with over 4,500 people on its payroll. The Target Corporation and Wal-mart are also major retailers in Eau Claire, each employing between 250 and 500 employees.