Supply Chain Center

Illinois Manufacturing Supply Chain Center Tackling Costs & Reshoring Opportunities

Creating Resilient Supply Chains for Illinois Manufacturers

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is a transformative resource that is reshaping the manufacturing landscape across Illinois by connecting manufacturers to opportunities to grow their business. Designed specifically for small and midsized manufacturers (SMMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this dynamic hub is your direct connection to the partners, suppliers, and opportunities essential for taking your business to the next level.

The Supply Chain Center offers:

  • Local & National Supplier Connections: Gain access to expert supplier scouting for Buy America, connecting you with Illinois-based and U.S. suppliers equipped to meet your needs.
  • New Business Opportunities: View real-time sourcing requests and match with buyers actively seeking trusted suppliers.
  • Strong Community Ties Through Local Sourcing: Promote economic growth in Illinois through responsible and sustainable sourcing practices that foster community resilience.
  • Expanded Reach with Direct Supplier-Buyer Connections: Seamlessly network with domestic suppliers or take on new projects that elevate your impact.

Open Opportunities

Take the first step towards expanding your business by accessing a catalog of potential customers across the country who are seeking a trustworthy supplier.

Learn More

Find New Suppliers

Find potential suppliers in Illinois and across the country by filling out a short questionnaire that details your specific needs and requirements.

Find New Suppliers

Driving Growth, Inclusion, and Resilience in Illinois Manufacturing

Our visits to FosterWorks, Aztec Plastic, Parr Instrument Company, and Umland’s Natural Foods highlight the diverse strengths of Illinois manufacturers—from building inclusive workforces and advancing innovation to strengthening supply chains and prioritizing sustainability. These stories showcase how collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to people power a thriving manufacturing ecosystem.

Sourcing Resources

Whitepapers & Reports

How U.S. Manufacturers Can Take Advantage of Reshoring

Navigate the reshoring landscape by adding value to the supply chain.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Mitigate Tariff Risk – Consider Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Reduce tariff risks and improve cash flow by leveraging a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) to defer, reduce, or eliminate import duties—enhancing your supply chain and competitiveness.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
BRACE
FOR
IMPACT.
Webinar Recordings

BRACE FOR IMPACT: How a Foreign Trade Zone Can Mitigate Tariff Risk

Learn about the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Program and its potential benefits for Illinois importers.

SourcingSupply Chain LeadershipStrategy
Whitepapers & Reports

How to Become More Valuable to Your OEM

Understand what OEMs are driving for and implement improvement activities to elevate your standing.

Business GrowthSourcingSupply Chain Strategy
Whitepapers & Reports

What Do You Mean, Supply Chain?

Gain a better understanding of your supply chain and how to solve common problems that may occur.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Building the Quantum Technology Supply Chain With MATTR

This blog explores how NIST’s MATTR initiative helps manufacturers build a quantum technology supply chain, with IMEC driving Illinois' innovation.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAutomationSourcingSupply Chain GrowthOperationsTechnology
Blogs

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 1)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron discusses effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 2)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron continues the conversation on effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
PARTNERS
IN
PROGRESS.
Webinar Recordings

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: Manufacturing Updates & Supply Chain Resilience

Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to be part of a crucial conversation involving economic, industry, and community resources all dedicated to helping manufacturers like you not just survive but thrive.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

NAVIGATING THE STORM: The Quest for Supply Chain Stability

Learn about supply chain stability and strategies you can take to achieve your goals!

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGEMENT: Strategies and Tips to Help Your Company Maintain Good Inventory Practices

Learn some great tips for maintaining good inventory practices and ensuring long-term success in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
CRACKING
THE
CODE.
Webinar Recordings

CRACKING THE CODE: Succeeding at Matchmaking Events with Effective Strategies

Join us for a webinar to learn how to unlock the secrets to successful supplier matchmaking in preparation for the Midwest Aerospace Conference in Rockford IL on September 20th.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
MASTERING
PRICE
NEGOTIATIONS.
Webinar Recordings

MASTERING PRICE NEGOTIATIONS: Strategies to Counter Rising Costs

Learn how you can master the art of negotiating with indices during inflationary periods in this webinar.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: Strategies for Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers

Learn some great strategies for improving your supply chain as a small to mid-sized manufacturer in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
MITIGATE
OPERATIONAL
RISKS.
Webinar Recordings

MITIGATE OPERATIONAL RISKS: Managing Your Supply Chain Processes and Procedures

Attend this webinar to get an understanding on how to decrease supply chain risks by evaluating and monitoring your supplier performance.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Thankful for Effective Supply Chains

MEP Supply Chain program leaders explore the attributes of effective supply chains including visibility, responsiveness, and the five critical areas.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Whitepapers & Reports

80/20 Business Process Optimization

Sharpen your focus on key customers and products to drive profitability.

Business GrowthSourcing Leadership
STRATEGIC
EFFICIENCY
UNLEASHED.
Webinar Recordings

STRATEGIC EFFICIENCY UNLEASHED: Mastering the 80/20 Principle

Optimize business stability, profit, and growth. Empower technical and project managers to efficiently handle existing customers.

Business GrowthSourcing Strategy
Blogs

The Importance of Apprenticeships in Manufacturing: Alleviating Workforce Challenges and Building the Future

In the latest IMEC Blog, Amy Murphy, Technical Specialist at IMEC, discusses the importance of apprenticeships in manufacturing and how you can get started

ApprenticeshipsSourcing Workforce
Blogs

Securing Your Manufacturing Legacy: Why Talent Succession Planning Matters

In the manufacturing industry, where innovation, efficiency, and quality are paramount, investing in talent succession is an investment in your organization's future.

SourcingSuccession Planning Strategy
FILL
YOUR
PIPELINE.
Webinar Recordings

FILL YOUR PIPELINE: Grow Your Prospect Pool Using Digital Marketing

Join us for a webinar program discussing digital marketing tools that can help you expand your reach and find talent.

Marketing & SalesSourcing Growth
News

Empowering with Apprenticeships: Attract & Retain Top Talent Manufacturing Roundtable

ApprenticeshipsSourcing Workforce

Ready to Find the Right Suppliers Across Illinois and Nationwide?

Complete a brief questionnaire outlining your specific needs, and get matched with reliable suppliers tailored to your requirements.

Take action today. IMEC is ready to guide you through every step of your journey. The Illinois Manufacturing Supply Chain Center is here to help you connect with ideal suppliers and unlock new opportunities.

"*" indicates required fields

MM slash DD slash YYYY
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
“This Supply Chain Center is a game-changer for Illinois manufacturing. With an emphasis on local sourcing, we’re creating new avenues for small manufacturers to enter significant supply chains and fuel transformative growth.”
David Boulay President of IMEC
Blogs

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: Strategies for Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers

Learn some great strategies for improving your supply chain as a small to mid-sized manufacturer in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 1)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron discusses effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 2)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron continues the conversation on effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
BRACE
FOR
IMPACT.
Webinar Recordings

BRACE FOR IMPACT: How a Foreign Trade Zone Can Mitigate Tariff Risk

Learn about the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Program and its potential benefits for Illinois importers.

SourcingSupply Chain LeadershipStrategy
Blogs

Building the Quantum Technology Supply Chain With MATTR

This blog explores how NIST’s MATTR initiative helps manufacturers build a quantum technology supply chain, with IMEC driving Illinois' innovation.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAutomationSourcingSupply Chain GrowthOperationsTechnology
CRACKING
THE
CODE.
Webinar Recordings

CRACKING THE CODE: Succeeding at Matchmaking Events with Effective Strategies

Join us for a webinar to learn how to unlock the secrets to successful supplier matchmaking in preparation for the Midwest Aerospace Conference in Rockford IL on September 20th.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Thankful for Effective Supply Chains

MEP Supply Chain program leaders explore the attributes of effective supply chains including visibility, responsiveness, and the five critical areas.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Whitepapers & Reports

What Do You Mean, Supply Chain?

Gain a better understanding of your supply chain and how to solve common problems that may occur.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
PARTNERS
IN
PROGRESS.
Webinar Recordings

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: Manufacturing Updates & Supply Chain Resilience

Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to be part of a crucial conversation involving economic, industry, and community resources all dedicated to helping manufacturers like you not just survive but thrive.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

NAVIGATING THE STORM: The Quest for Supply Chain Stability

Learn about supply chain stability and strategies you can take to achieve your goals!

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Success Stories

FosterWorks LLC

A woman-owned fabrication shop in Chicago uses the IMEC Supply Chain Matchmaking service to find new business opportunities.

Supply Chain Operations
Whitepapers & Reports

How to Become More Valuable to Your OEM

Understand what OEMs are driving for and implement improvement activities to elevate your standing.

Business GrowthSourcingSupply Chain Strategy
Whitepapers & Reports

How U.S. Manufacturers Can Take Advantage of Reshoring

Navigate the reshoring landscape by adding value to the supply chain.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
SUPPLY
CHAIN
CENTER.
News

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) Launch Innovative Supply Chain Center, Transforming the Manufacturing Industry in Illinois

Supply Chain
SUPPLY
CHAIN
MAPPING.
News

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) Launches Supply Chain Mapping Effort in Collaboration with BlueForge Alliance and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)

Supply Chain
News

IMEC & World Business Chicago Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive the Future of Manufacturing in Chicago

Supply Chain Grants and Initiatives
Blogs

INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGEMENT: Strategies and Tips to Help Your Company Maintain Good Inventory Practices

Learn some great tips for maintaining good inventory practices and ensuring long-term success in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Success Stories

Laser Technologies Inc.

A machine tool manufacturing company in Naperville connects with the IMEC Supply Chain Center to find new markets for their supplies.

Supply Chain Operations
MASTERING
PRICE
NEGOTIATIONS.
Webinar Recordings

MASTERING PRICE NEGOTIATIONS: Strategies to Counter Rising Costs

Learn how you can master the art of negotiating with indices during inflationary periods in this webinar.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
MITIGATE
OPERATIONAL
RISKS.
Webinar Recordings

MITIGATE OPERATIONAL RISKS: Managing Your Supply Chain Processes and Procedures

Attend this webinar to get an understanding on how to decrease supply chain risks by evaluating and monitoring your supplier performance.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
Blogs

Mitigate Tariff Risk – Consider Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Reduce tariff risks and improve cash flow by leveraging a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) to defer, reduce, or eliminate import duties—enhancing your supply chain and competitiveness.

SourcingSupply Chain Operations
SUCCESS STORIES

See How We’ve Helped Other Manufacturers Succeed

“We would absolutely recommend IMEC to others, without hesitation! If you have questions about manufacturing in Illinois or are interested in engaging with local or national manufacturing partners, there is no better group to work with than IMEC. Their professional, thorough approach exceeded our expectations. We can't recommend them enough!”

Donovan Morrison

Senior Consultant – EV Hover

Learn More View All Success Stories
"Through our partnership with IMEC and the Supply Chain Center, Laser Technologies experienced transformative benefits. We gained access to a network of reliable suppliers, both for immediate project needs and future collaborations, while also streamlining our supplier engagement process. The biggest takeaway? The available resources, emphasizing that seeking help can pave the way for future success."

Amanda Ratliff

Purchasing Manager – Laser Technologies Inc.

Learn More View All Success Stories
“The process of connecting with IMEC to coordinating with our new client was seamless. Networking opportunities are what drive business growth, and IMEC provides a robust platform for businesses to connect. I enthusiastically recommend the Supply Chain Matchmaking service!”

Lucy Minturn

Founder & CEO - FosterWorks LLC

Learn More View All Success Stories