Scale Quickly in Greater Phoenix
Manufacturers around the world are experiencing increasing challenges amidst rapid industry shifts in automation and globalization, changing day-to-day operations. While managing supply chain challenges, implementing operational efficiencies, and expanding technology, it’s critical to situate your business in a location that positions and supports your growth. Along with competitive operating costs, Greater Phoenix is home to the second-largest labor pool in the western U.S. and has one of the largest manufacturing supply chain ecosystems. The region is well-positioned to absorb both new-to-market manufacturers and the expansion of existing manufacturing companies.
Advanced Manufacturing
Get our 34-page, in-depth report on the advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Greater Phoenix.
Established Supply Chain
Greater Phoenix offers a robust ecosystem with a significant presence from advanced manufacturing companies. The region is home to more than 2,800 manufacturing establishments ranging from Aerospace, Computer and Electronic Products, Transportation, and more.
Robust Workforce & Talent Pipeline
Greater Phoenix boasts competitive, non-distance program completions at the high school, college and university levels in concentrations related to manufacturing including computer science, math and engineering.
Reliable Infrastructure
Greater Phoenix has one of the most reliable power grids in the nation and boasts access to nearly 35 million people in seven states within a one-day truck haul, including major seaports in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Firms have access to nearly the entire southwest within a two-day haul.
Competitive Operating Costs
Greater Phoenix offers lower annual operating costs than Los Angeles and Seattle, and cheaper real estate and employee benefit costs compared to peer markets. Arizona also offers several quality incentives to further decrease operating costs.
Supportive Policies
Greater Phoenix offers a competitive operating environment where state and local leadership enable speed-to-market through fast-track permitting, a minimalist regulatory approach, no corporate franchise tax and right-to-work legislation.
High Quality of Life
Greater Phoenix offers shorter commute times than peer markets, more than 300 days of sunshine annually and fewer days with significant weather interruptions.
Established Supply Chain
Major Manufacturers in Greater Phoenix
Greater Phoenix has emerged as a national center for advanced manufacturing operations. Home to some of the largest manufacturers in the world, the region boasts an environment for sustained success. The companies below represent a sample of the firms currently operating in the region.
A Global Manufacturing Hub
Companies around the world are increasingly looking to Greater Phoenix as a west coast or U.S. hub. More than 200 international advanced manufacturing companies operate in the region, employing a total of over 22,000 people in the sector.
The map below showcases advanced manufacturing companies around the world that have a Greater Phoenix presence. Explore major global leaders and their countries of origin.
Advanced manufacturing companies by origin
200+
There are more than 200 international advanced manufacturers that operate in Greater Phoenix
30+
These companies hail from more than 30 countries and six continents.
22,000+
More than 22,000 people in Arizona are employed by these international firms.
Download the full industry analysis for a more comprehensive list of local suppliers and innovators in the region.
Robust Workforce & Talent Pipeline
Mature Talent & Workforce Pipeline
In Greater Phoenix, education institutes recognize that building the workforce is not only critical for today’s demands, but to proactively prepare the future workforce for continued excellence and availability. Arizona has an extremely competitive workforce pipeline, bolstered by quality training, a high number of graduates and one of the lowest labor costs in the nation.
Arizona State University (ASU), Grand Canyon University, Maricopa Community Colleges, Northern Arizona University (NAU), the University of Arizona (U of A) and the University of Phoenix are among the more than 40 universities and other institution of higher learning that prepare the region’s workforce.
Key Colleges and Programs
ASU, NAU and U of A each have a full range of engineering, technician and general production programs including aerospace engineering, computer engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial technology/technician, machine tool technology/machinist and welding.
ASU’s Fulton School of Engineering undergraduate program, which has more than 30,000 students enrolled, ranks in the top quartile of ranked programs by U.S. News & World Report.
30000+
There are more than 30,000 engineering students enrolled at ASU.
13%
projected advanced manufacturing employment growth in Greater Phoenix over the next decade.
100000
Nearly 100,000 students are enrolled in the Maricopa County Community Colleges District.
Graduates and Completions
Greater Phoenix produced more than 6,000 non-distance program completions in fields related to advanced manufacturing in the 2022-23 school year, the most recent data available. See the type of degree and a comparison to peer regions below.
| Certificates | Associates | Bachelor | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
478 |
378 |
2,774 |
2,266 |
243 |
Graduates by region
Source: Lightcast 2025 Q1 Dataset
Reliable Infrastructure
Reliable Power
Arizona has one of the most reliable power grids in the nation and 71% fewer natural disasters than the adjacent state of California. Over the last 10-year period, Arizona recorded only 33 total hours of disturbances. Reduce risk and increase operating efficiency moving to Greater Phoenix.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Intentional Water Planning
Thanks to smart water planning over the past century that included the 1980 Groundwater Management Act, Arizona has a 100-year assured water supply and a superior water system compared to its peer states in the southwest. Get more information here.
Airline Connectivity & Market Access
Ideally situated within the southwestern United States, Greater Phoenix serves as a direct carrier to and from consumers in the U.S. and Mexico. Companies have access to nearly 35 million people across seven states within a one-day truck haul, including major seaports in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers about 1,200 daily domestic and international flights and handles over 800 tons of cargo each day.
Regional Rail Access
Greater Phoenix is served by two major railroads, Union Pacific and BNSF. With major rail lines throughout the entire southwest reaching Greater Phoenix, manufacturers can rely on these railroad systems for both the import and export of goods and materials.
Download the full industry analysis for additional details on Greater Phoenix infrastructure.
Competitive Operating Costs
Greater Phoenix Operating Environment
The state offers a minimalist regulatory approach, no corporate franchise tax and is constitutionally recognized as a right-to-work state. From aggressive tax credits and incentives to programs designed to increase access to capital, the region offers direct access to Arizona’s robust, pro-business climate. Greater Phoenix provides the right combination of affordability, size and scalability, making it the perfect choice for new-to-market and growing manufacturers.
Comparative Operating Advantages
- Minimal regulation
- Right-to-work state
- Low unionization
- Low worker’s compensation and unemployment
- Foreign Trade Zone, with additional Arizona property tax benefit
- Military Reuse Zone
Total Operating Cost by Metro
Operating costs for typical advanced manufacturing firm
Assumptions: $30,000,000 personal property investment; 75,000 square foot Industrial Manufacturing, Lease; Utilities (per month): Electricity: 75KW, 30,000KWh; Water/Wastewater: 3,000cf, 5/8meter; 100 jobs (Bureau of Labor Statistics equivalent occupations)
Source: Applied Economics MetrocompTool, April 2025
Calculate Your Real Estate Savings
Select your MSA, building type and square footage to see how much you would save on annual real estate costs in Greater Phoenix.
Austin
Dallas
Denver
Los Angeles
Portland
San Francisco
Seattle
Type
Sq. Feet
Total Annual Savings
$
Calculations were performed using annual lease rates per square foot, effective property tax rates, and average costs of water, wastewater, electric and natural gas; utilities are included in office lease rates.
Sources: GPEC Metrocomp Tool
Supportive Policies
Qualified Facilities Refundable Tax Credit
The Qualified Facilities Refundable Tax Credit targets manufacturing facilities, including those focusing on research and development or headquarters locations. It offers a refundable income tax credit equal to the lesser of:
- 10% of the qualifying capital investment
- $20,000 per net new full-time employment position at the facility
- $30,000,000 per taxpayer
Military Reuse Zones (MRZ)
MRZ was established in 1992 to minimize the impact of military base closures, both Arizona-designated MRZs are in Greater Phoenix: Mesa Gateway and Goodyear Airports. Businesses located in MRZs are subject to Transaction Privilege Tax Exemption and Property Reclassification.
Foreign Trade Zones
Arizona offers additional Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) benefits related to property tax. An FTZ, which allows goods to be imported and manufactured without being subjected to duties and taxes until they leave the area, includes benefits such as custom duties, deferment of federal excise tax and streamlined procedures. Arizona uniquely offers property tax benefits in which some businesses are eligible for a property tax reduction from a 16% to a 5% assessment ratio.
HB2822: Tax Reduction to Benefit Advanced Manufacturers
HB2822 changes the depreciation schedule by setting the full cash value of business and agricultural personal property to 2.5% of the property’s acquisition cost, thereby lowering the assessed value of the property to create a reduction in taxes. Over a 10-year period, the personal property tax on a $500 million property would be just $2.4 million, a fraction of the nearly $51 million tax on standard depreciation.
Below is a table comparing deprecation value of the property before and after the passage of the bill. Get more information here.
| Schedule | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Previous (Pre-2022) |
22.5% |
35.7% |
45.0% |
51.1% |
53.4% |
47.0% |
36.0% |
24.0% |
12.0% |
2.5% |
Current (Since 2022) |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
2.5% |
35M
Nearly 35 million consumers can be served within a single day’s truck haul
36%
Greater Phoenix offers operational costs up to 36% lower than California
75%
Shipping costs to California are up to 75% cheaper than other Mountain West markets
Download the full industry analysis for more details on economic programs and HB2822.
High Quality of Life
Experience a vibrant lifestyle and diverse culture at an affordable cost of living.
Enjoy the outdoors with more than 300 days of sunshine, average temperatures of 75 degrees, convenient access to over 400 hiking trails, and globally recognized sporting events. Take part in a vibrant arts and culture scene that includes prominent classical arts to public art to craft markets and a diverse range of music and cultural events. And, eat well with fresh farmers markets in every city, and globally recognized chefs and culinary experiences at your doorstep. Click the icons below to learn more about Greater Phoenix living.
