Chicago has long stood at the crossroads of American industry, making it the ideal host for FABTECH 2025. Known as the “City of Big Shoulders,” Chicago’s legacy in manufacturing, metalworking, and transportation helped shape the modern U.S. economy. That same spirit continues to drive innovation today, making the Windy City a perfect backdrop for North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event.
A Legacy Forged in Steel and Innovation
Chicago’s industrial boom began in the late 19th century, fueled by its strategic location and robust infrastructure. The city became a global leader in steel production, meatpacking, and machinery manufacturing, earning a reputation as the manufacturing capital of the Midwest.
Here are five fast facts that highlight Chicago’s industrial impact:
Meatpacking Capital: By the early 1900s, Chicago’s Union Stock Yards processed more meat than any other city in the world, feeding the nation and supporting thousands of jobs.
Steel Giant: Southeast Chicago emerged as a steel hub, with U.S. Steel South Works, Republic Steel, and Wisconsin Steel producing millions of tons annually.
Machinery & Manufacturing: Companies like Caterpillar, Western Electric, and International Harvester helped establish Chicago as a center for heavy equipment, electronics, and chemical manufacturing.
Pioneering Industrial Parks: The Central Manufacturing District (CMD), launched in 1905, was the first planned industrial park in the U.S.—home to Ford, Westinghouse, and other manufacturing giants.
Telecom Powerhouse: Western Electric’s Hawthorne Works became a critical center for producing telephone and electrical components in the early 20th century.
Chicago Today: A Hub for Modern Manufacturing
Chicago remains the economic engine of the Midwest and a national center for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and engineering. Its central location and global connectivity make it a natural home for FABTECH.
Why FABTECH 2025 Belongs in Chicago
Returning to McCormick Place in Chicago from September 8–11, 2025, FABTECH will span more than 800,000 square feet of exhibits showcasing the latest in:
Metal forming and fabricating
Welding and finishing equipment
Automation and robotics
Smart manufacturing technologies
With 200+ conference sessions, FABTECH offers hands-on learning, expert-led keynotes, and panel discussions on everything from shop floor strategies to emerging trends in AI, sustainability, and workforce development.
Whether you're a shop owner, engineer, or executive, FABTECH 2025 is your chance to network, discover new solutions, and prepare for what’s next in manufacturing.
Don’t Miss FABTECH 2025 in Chicago
Experience the future of manufacturing in a city built on its legacy. Register today and join thousands of professionals shaping the next chapter of industrial innovation.