Jobs & Economy in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge's economy rests on a real, distinct, continuing gypsum heritage alongside a diversified modern employer base and a genuine regional-hub role.
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Learn moreA real, continuing gypsum industry
Four gypsum companies -- CertainTeed, Georgia-Pacific, National Gypsum Co., and USG -- still operate in the Fort Dodge area today, more than 150 years after Iowa's first gypsum mill opened here (base record).
A diversified modern employer base
Boehringer Ingelheim (veterinary pharmaceuticals), Nestle Purina (pet food), and CJ Bio America (amino acids) all operate real, current facilities in Fort Dodge (base record).
A real regional healthcare and retail hub
UnityPoint Health-Trinity Regional Medical Center alone serves an eight-county, approximately 100,000-person trade area, underscoring Fort Dodge's genuine regional-hub role for north-central Iowa (base record).
Key takeaways
- Fort Dodge remains a real, current gypsum-industry hub, not just a historic one.
- Boehringer Ingelheim, Nestle Purina, and CJ Bio America diversify the modern employer base.
- Fort Dodge's real regional-hub role serves an area far larger than the city's own population.
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