Machinery

Employees: 2,774

Businesses: 49

2006 employee wages: $113.2 million

Example companies: Loren Cook Co.,Turblex Inc., Tuthill Vacuum & Blower Systems

Guy Mace, owner of Turblex Inc., has seen a lot in his company’s 19 years. A challenge in recent years is relative to the work force.

“The No. 1 challenge is finding qualified people,” he said. “It’s primarily engineers, specifically electrical instrumentation engineers and qualified assemblers and electricians.”

While Springfield may not have a deep pool of potential employees, Mace said an advantage is that the area is attractive to new talent.

“These (people) want to move to Springfield,” he said. “It’s a great place to live and raise children.”

Namely in Springfield’s favor: The environment isn’t typical of most metropolitan areas, where traffic is a constant battle. “That’s a distinct advantage,” Mace said.