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How Illinois manufacturers turn automation into a jobs engine
Upskilled workers, improved efficiency come with continuous improvements.
Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAIAutomation OperationsTechnology
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Access the latest updates, announcements, and information from IMEC.
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Budzinski wants to protect manufacturing extension partnership amid proposed federal cuts
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski led a roundtable at Wagner Machine Company in Champaign to champion the critical role of the MEP program, administered in Illinois by IMEC, and to voice strong opposition to proposed federal funding cuts that threaten small manufacturers’ growth and resilience.
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Smart policy for manufacturing: Why support for small firms pays off
Small and mid-size manufacturers are the foundation of American industry. They make up 99% of all manufacturing companies, provide good jobs in every community and anchor supply chain resilience. Yet, […]
AutomationBusiness GrowthSupply Chain OperationsStrategyTechnologyWorkforce
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Get to Know IMEC’s Board of Directors: Alex Nadtochiy
From immigrant beginnings and odd jobs to leading a top manufacturing firm, Alex Nadtochiy brings a global perspective, hands-on experience, and a passion for building to his new role on the IMEC Board of Directors.
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IMEC and Illinois District Export Council Partner to Educate Manufacturers on Supply Chain, Export, and Tariff Strategy
IMEC and the Illinois District Export Council have partnered to help Illinois manufacturers strengthen supply chains and expand global trade through a new educational webinar series.
Supply Chain Operations
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Governor Pritzker Awards $1.3 Million to 29 Manufacturing Companies Through Made in Illinois Grant Program
This year, 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois are receiving a combined $1.35 million in capital grant funding.
Grants and Initiatives
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Two IMEC Leaders Earn TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager Credential to Support Illinois Manufacturing Workforce
On May 7, 2025, Joanne Ruiz and Amy Clary, officially earned the designation of TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager, joining a national network of professionals working to solve workforce challenges […]
Human ResourcesSupply Chain Workforce
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IMEC and Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance Honored for Outstanding Sector-Based Manufacturing Partnership at Illinois Workforce Summit
East Peoria, IL — IMEC and the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance (LLWA) were honored for excellence in workforce collaboration during the Illinois Workforce Summit, held at the Embassy Suites […]
Workforce
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Get to Know the IMEC Board of Directors: Mauro Frangipani of Freudenberg Household Products LP
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is driven by a dedicated team committed to strengthening and advancing Illinois manufacturing. Guiding this mission, the IMEC Board of Directors comprises local industry […]
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Get to Know IMEC’s Board of Directors: Robert Herrmann of Rheo Engineering
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is led by a team of individuals dedicated to the growth and competitiveness of Illinois manufacturing. The IMEC Board of Directors is an essential […]
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Building the Quantum Technology Supply Chain of the Future
March 5, 2025 Quantum technologies could unlock the potential for new areas of large-scale R&D and ultimately new business applications. It would allow scientists and engineers to experiment and push […]
Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAutomationSourcingSupply Chain GrowthOperationsTechnology
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Cook County Bureau of Economic Development Earns County’s First Chicago Innovation Award
November 22, 2024 Cook County, IL – Cook County is proud to announce that the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development has been named a winner in the 23rd annual Chicago […]
Grants and Initiatives
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“Makers on the Move” Statewide Bus Tour Celebrating Manufacturing Month Makes Final Stops in Champaign-Urbana
October 11, 2024 CHAMPAIGN – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour will wrap up with stops this weekend in Champaign, after traveling more than 2,500 miles across Illinois […]
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Illinois Manufacturers Celebrate Manufacturing Month with Launch of “Makers on the Move” Statewide Bus Tour at Ace Sign Company in Springfield
October 4, 2024 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today launched the third annual “Makers on the Move” […]
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IMEC & World Business Chicago Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive the Future of Manufacturing in Chicago
Chicago, IL – September 12, 2024 IMEC and World Business Chicago (WBC) announce a new partnership aimed at aligning strategies and resources to strengthen Chicago’s manufacturing sector and drive inclusive […]
Supply Chain Grants and Initiatives