Manufacturing leaders from the greater Chicago area, in addition to Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Patrick Gallagher, IMEC President David Boulay, and representatives from the City of Chicago and state commerce department gathered for a duo of manufacturing-focused events last week.

The group first met at PortionPac Corporation in Chicago for discussion and a tour of the sustainable company that manufactures pre-measured packs of highly concentrated cleaning products for use in a variety of industries, including school districts and correctional facilities.  “The last decade for manufacturing has been about diversification and the ability to develop a focus in niche markets in order to continue growing,” said Burt Klein, President for PortionPac. During the visit, Klein also spoke to the city’s investment in the manufacturing sector and how building a strong workforce, transportation can lead to a strengthened climate.

Through a city initiative, Chicago Sustainable Industries, there has been an increased awareness about manufacturing and its importance to the strength of the community. “Manufacturing jobs play an anchoring role in a community,” Director Gallagher stated. “It’s great to see the combined efforts of the public and private sectors working together to strengthen that role.”

Following the facility tour and discussion, the group met at the Transco Products downtown headquarters, where they engaged in discussion around the direction of future trends in technology, workforce and the need to campaign for a brighter image of the industry. “If manufacturing has a bad image, it affects the desire of youth and adults alike to educate themselves and pursue a career in industry,” said Gallagher.  Talk continued around the need to promote manufacturing nationally, regionally and locally, including initiatives manufacturers can take to reach out in their communities.

Broadwind Energy (NASDAQ: BWEN) applies decades of deep industrial expertise to innovate integrated solutions for customers in the energy and infrastructure markets.

From gears and gearing systems for wind, oil and gas and mining applications to wind towers, to comprehensive remanufacturing of gearboxes and blades, to operations and maintenance services, and specialty weldments, we have solutions for the energy needs of the future. With facilities throughout the U.S., Broadwind Energy’s talented team of 800 employees is committed to helping customers maximize performance of their investments-quicker, easier and smarter.

Contact Brad Foote Gearing:
3250 South Central Avenue
Cicero, IL  61102
Phone: 708-298-1100
Email: info@bwen.com
www.bwen.com

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On July 17th Dr. Patrick Gallagher, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), will make a stop in Chicago as part of a multi-city visit this summer to explore regional manufacturing facilities. The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC), the Illinois center for the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, will host the director. “NIST is such a critical resource for advanced manufacturing competitiveness,” said David Boulay, President of IMEC. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to show the director the great prospects for American manufacturing success as well as hear about the challenges.”

During the visit, Gallagher, along with representatives from the City of Chicago, will tour PortionPac Corporation, a sustainability-focused manufacturer of highly concentrated, pre-measured cleaning solutions. The company’s leaders are pleased with the opportunity to share their manufacturing processes with the director. PortionPac is an exemplar of small manufacturing success. With its commitment to workforce excellence, recognized by INC. magazine’s 2010 Winning Workplace, as well as deep commitment to sustainability, the company truly highlights the keys to success for the next generation manufacturer.

Custom Spring Manufacturing in Rockford, IL

Rockford Spring Company is a custom spring manufacturer of compression springs, extension springs, and torsion springs for customers who demand precise spring performance. Springs are available in wire sizes from .006″ to .300″ in materials from standard music wire to whatever exotic material you may require. We also offer wire forms and complete secondary operations to meet your specific requirements.

Some of our top products include compression, extension, and torstion springs along with wire-forms and assemblies. We are able to manufacture complex and tightly toleranced extension, torsion, and double torsion springs.

Contact Rockford Spring Company:
3801 South Central Avenue
Rockford, IL  61102
Phone: 815-968-3000
Fax: 815-968-3100
www.rockfordspring.com

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