Aerospace & Defense

The City of Yuma has multiple competitive advantages that benefit this subgroup including the Yuma Proving Ground, a new potential Space Port, and access to a workforce that translates well into skilled manufacturing. In addition to aligning with Yuma’s development goals, many of the NAICS industries are rapidly growing both in Arizona and the US, with future job growth expected, while offering high wages per job.

Technology

With an emphasis on high-tech electronic manufacturing, the technology subgroup is projected for future job growth and offers high wages. Additionally, with the recent push for green energy, this niche market encompasses manufacturing that often works closely with solar panels, electric vehicles, and other green initiatives.

 Agriculture Advancement

The Agriculture Development niche market heavily relies upon building on the vast success of the agriculture sector in Yuma. With such a large demand by local employers for agriculture goods, and recent global supply chain disruptions opening new opportunities with federal funding, the natural transition to start producing in house the fertilizers was seen as a major prospect for industry diversification, and at an opportunistic time for attraction.

Manufacturing & Transportation Progression

This diverse niche market has the potential for large economic impact in the region as well as quickly growing industries that are in high supply of labor.

Device Manufacturing

The Device Manufacturing niche market heavily relies upon the momentum in semiconductor manufacturing in the state and nation. In addition, the NAICS code also includes manufacturing related to electric vehicles, further promoting green alternatives as well as an expanding industry with major predicted import and export potential in the next decade. Bringing in Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing employers would represent a new industry for the Yuma Region.

Tech Services

The Tech Services niche market heavily emphasized the increased importance on data centers and warehousing, as well as computer programming and related services. This diverse niche market is growing at a rapid pace, with future growth projected both in the state and nation. The industries identified provide high paying wages and attracting new business in this niche market would continue to strengthen and expand the region’s standing as a growing high-tech hub.

 Recreation- Breweries & Distilleries

The Recreation niche market revolves around production and consumption, as well as tourism and attraction. A desire for an increased quality of life, and more attractions within downtown Yuma was presented. The current growth of both industries has fueled a completely new sector for cities around the country, and the rise in “microbreweries” have anchored small downtowns, increased civic pride, and created new jobs and economic growth in the process.

Entertainment

Growing on the potential increased quality of life and attraction in the Recreation subgrouping, the Entertainment niche market involves attraction and tourism. Again, the importance of quality of life not only impacts tourism and visitors, but those living in Yuma and the greater region.

Medical Manufacturing

The Medical Manufacturing niche market includes the production of surgical and other medical equipment as needed in the growing Healthcare sector. This type of light manufacturing aligns well with the development goals of the city, as well as potentially filling a supply gap that is currently being met by imports. While rather limited in scope, the projected job growth and high wages make this niche market attractive and competitive as the rest.

Research & Development

The Research and Development niche market builds on the commitment to expanding the research and development footprint in the region, as well as building on the partnerships through the local workforce, education, and economic development organizations. With the need for highly skilled labor, the local cross-sector collaborative presence in Yuma allows for attracting such a niche market. Additionally, the niche market is projected for growth in jobs and provides well paying positions.