FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2026
SPRINGFIELD
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) brought the fifth annual “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour to the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) on Monday. The tour, which celebrates Manufacturing Month, is visiting manufacturing facilities, educational institutions and community centers across Illinois to highlight the diverse, rewarding careers in manufacturing and offer an up-close look at today’s high-tech modern manufacturing.
The stop also included a fireside chat about UIS’ new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology program, which will launch in spring 2027. The degree was created in response to growing regional and national demand for professionals who combine engineering knowledge with hands-on experience and skills needed in modern manufacturing, automation and emerging technology industries.
“It was great to visit with students, staff and faculty of UIS this morning for a robust discussion about the importance of industry and educators working together to develop a new generation of manufacturing leaders,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “As technology evolves, it is imperative we provide a variety of pathways for students to obtain needed skills. These opportunities are what Makers on the Move is all about – inspiring students to think about manufacturing in new and exciting ways.”
“UIS’ new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology was built with workforce needs in mind,” said UIS Chancellor Janet Gooch. “Employers need graduates who understand engineering principles and know how to apply them in real-world settings. This program will give students the hands-on skills to step into high-demand careers in manufacturing, automation and emerging technologies while helping Illinois employers build the skilled workforce they need to grow.”
Nationally, there are 580,000 open jobs in the manufacturing industry, including tens of thousands of available jobs in Illinois. The IMA and IMEC are dedicated to working with employers, educators, and lawmakers to enact policies that help attract and retain a skilled workforce. That includes securing a new law to increase student access to career and technical education, as well as pushing for funding to expand manufacturing training academies at community colleges across Illinois. These efforts are vital to ensuring Illinois can continue to experience strong economic growth in the coming decade, as more baby boomers are expected to exit the job market and companies seek to fill the resulting experience gaps.
“This stop on the Makers on the Move tour underscores the importance of investing in a skilled workforce, and it’s inspiring to see so many students on the path to fulfilling, in-demand careers,” said Dan Hofmann, Interim President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center. “Working together, we can ensure Illinois remains a manufacturing powerhouse for decades to come.”
Continuing from Springfield, the 45-foot bus will travel to communities across the state, making more than 30 stops along the way. Industry advocates traveling on the bus will be accompanied by educators, economic development leaders, public officials and other dignitaries who will engage communities and connect employers with the next generation of talent. More information about the tour is available at https://makersonthemove.org.
“There are more ways than ever for those interested in a career in manufacturing to build the skills needed to succeed in a high-tech and innovative economy,” said Sarah Hartwick, Senior Vice President and Corporate Board Secretary for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Executive Director of the IMA Foundation. “From space exploration to development of life-saving pharmaceuticals, the possibilities provided by manufacturing are endless. The training students learn today will lead to a brighter tomorrow.”
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/.
About the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is celebrating 30 years of helping Illinois manufacturers become stronger, more competitive, and prepared for long-term growth. Through tailored solutions, hands-on expertise, and strategic support, IMEC partners with small and mid-sized manufacturers to improve operations, strengthen workforce performance, drive innovation, and build resilient businesses. With a statewide team of industry improvement specialists, IMEC works alongside manufacturers to help them plan, implement, and sustain meaningful change. In 2025, IMEC assisted 3,742 companies and helped create or retain 6,871 jobs, generating more than $905 million in economic impact across Illinois. Learn more at www.IMEC.org.
About the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS)
The University of Illinois Springfield, part of the world-class University of Illinois System, is a comprehensive regional public university committed to serving students from all backgrounds. UIS prepares and empowers students to succeed and make a lasting impact through an engaging and individualized learning experience with leadership development at its core. For more information, visit uis.edu.
CONTACT: Monique Garcia, 217-502-4832
