Big business in Southeast Missouri

More than 550 manufacturers are located in 14 Southeast Missouri counties. Only 15 manufacturing employers in Southeast Missouri have more than 500 workers, which disqualifies those firms from being listed as small businesses. The list of large businesses includes:

P&G Paper Products Co., Cape Girardeau County, manufacturer of disposable diapers, 1,650.

TG Missouri, Perryville, manufacturer of parts for Toyota Motors and domestic auto makers, 1,450.

Gilster-Mary Lee Co., Perryville and McBride, manufacture and packaging of cake mixes, stuffing mixes, hot cocoa drink mix and popcorn, 1,200.

Noranda Aluminum Inc., Marston, producer of aluminum for sale throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, 1,150.

Rubbermaid (tie), Jackson, manufacturer of closet organizer items, 900.

Plastene Supply, Portageville, manufacturer of plastic products, 900.

Briggs & Stratton, Poplar Bluff, producer of air-cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, 900.

Tyson Foods, Dexter, poultry processing, 800.

Emerson Electric Co., Kennett, manufacturer of electric motors, coils and other electrical products, 700.

Good Humor-Breyers, Sikeston, ice cream novelties, 700.

Mississippi Lime Co., Ste. Genevieve, manufacturer of crushed stone and high calcium lime, 600.

Arvin Automotive, Dexter, manufacturer of mufflers and tail pipes, 550.

Flat River Glass Co., Park Hills, manufacturer of glass pharmaceutical and cosmetic containers, 540.

Gates Rubber Co., Poplar Bluff, 530.

Little Tikes Commercial Play Systems, Farmington, plastic playground equipment, 500.

Thorngate Ltd., Cape Girardeau, manufacturer of sportswear, 450-500.