In Omaha, a growing cluster of agricultural and ag-adjacent companies is proving why the region has become one of the Midwest’s most efficient places to make, move and scale products.

The Greater Omaha region draws companies with its workforce depth, transportation and logistics access and low operating costs

Compana is one such company. Their pet-product manufacturing and distribution operation has steadily expanded in the metro, highlighting why businesses tied to agriculture are finding long-term advantage in Omaha. 

With products shipped across the U.S. and internationally, a central location is critical.

“The central centralized location within the US allows for fairly efficient distribution to both coasts,” said Matt Bair, Director of Plant Operations. “That reach directly supports customer service, as “reducing transit times improves overall service levels.”

The region’s transportation network reinforces that efficiency.

“This area is supported by strong transportation infrastructure,” Bair said, pointing to major interstate access and proximity to a major commercial airport. “Omaha has an airport 20 minutes away and it has daily flights to a lot of the major metros.”

The Omaha area also offers benefits that go beyond logistics. Bair highlighted Nebraska’s low operating costs including utilities. 

And while agricultural producers like hay growers may operate across the broader Midwest and West, the region’s interconnected supply chains, co-manufacturers and distribution partners make Omaha a practical point of consolidation and coordination.

Another major advantage is the workforce.

“Omaha is a huge manufacturing city,” said Christopher Stenger, Compana’s Senior Human Resources Business Partner.

A strong density of manufacturing plants creates a strong labor pool ready for manufacturing jobs with Compana. 

And partnerships with local institutions, especially Metropolitan Community College, have strengthened that access to skilled talent. With a new Metro campus opening nearby, that talent pipeline is expanding even further.

“We’ve also been able to partner with Metro Community College … and then bring them on full-time here,” he said. 

The Omaha region offers something less tangible but equally important: a sense of community.  The loyalty and collaboration he’s experienced are unlike anywhere else he’s worked.

“There’s a lot of talent here. There’s a lot of community here, a lot of people that are willing to help and be part of the community,” Stenger said. “There’s just so much going on, and people want to be a part of it. The loyalty here is second to none.”

The region’s culture strengthens company culture.

“The people in this area really want that,” Bair said of building a strong workforce and workplace environment. “So it definitely aids in building a successful thriving culture.”

For agricultural-based businesses looking for a location where supply chain efficiency, workforce strength and community support intersect, the Omaha region continues to stand out.