PEORIA, Ill., March 24, 2026 — From legacy metal casting at State Line Foundries in South Beloit to river simulation systems engineered by Emriver in Carbondale, the Made in My Hometown series showcases the breadth of innovation across Illinois manufacturing. The series is part of the 30th anniversary of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), highlighting the companies and communities that define the state’s industrial strength. The Made in My Hometown series will launch, with the first brief on April 14.
For three decades, IMEC has worked alongside small and midsize Illinois manufacturers to improve operational performance, strengthen workforce capabilities and drive long-term growth in an increasingly competitive global market.
“Success for manufacturers goes a lot further than just keeping the doors open,” said IMEC President David Boulay, Ph.D. “Success is adding and keeping good people, paying a living wage or better, upskilling their workforce, using automation to innovate, and build efficiency and having a strong supply chain. For the more than 12,000 manufacturers in Illinois, we’re the first stop to all that.”
Proven Manufacturing Impact Across Illinois
In 2025, IMEC partnered with more than 3,000 manufacturers statewide, generating an estimated $910 million in economic impact. Every dollar invested delivered more than 19 times its value through increased revenue, cost savings and retained jobs.
The technical manufacturing experts from IMEC completed more than 1,000 on-site engagements, supporting companies with process improvement, technology adoption and workforce development that are tailored to real-world manufacturing environments.
Local Expertise, Statewide Reach
The strength of IMEC lies in its ability to deliver hands-on manufacturing consulting at the local level. With regional teams embedded throughout Illinois, the organization works directly with plant managers, engineers and leadership teams to solve problems and implement change.
“We’re part of the local manufacturing fabric,” said Dean Harms , IMEC regional manager in Rockford. “When manufacturers succeed, the impact extends far beyond the plant.”
Focused on the Future of Illinois Manufacturing
As IMEC marks its 30th anniversary, the organization is expanding its focus on data-driven consulting, advanced manufacturing technologies and statewide collaboration to ensure Illinois manufacturers remain globally competitive.
“Our purpose is clear,” Boulay added. “To ensure every manufacturer in Illinois has a path to succeed with a partner committed to helping them achieve it.”
The Made in My Hometown series will launch on April 14 and continue through September.
About IMEC
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping manufacturers strengthen operations, drive growth, and sustain profitability. With the ability to serve more than 12,500 manufacturers across Illinois, IMEC provides hands-on solutions that deliver measurable results in productivity, workforce, and technology advancement. Learn more at www.imec.org
