Celebrating Illinois Manufacturing and the Communities It Powers

Made in My Hometown

Where manufacturing shapes communities and drives our future.

Across Illinois, manufacturers do more than produce; they create jobs, strengthen communities, and build the future.

Manufacturing isn’t just what we make, it’s who we are.

Small and midsize manufacturers are the backbone of Illinois and the key to its economic future. Yet many face workforce shortages, rising costs, global competition, and the pressure to adopt new technologies while managing day-to-day operations.

These companies represent 99% of manufacturers, drive $131 billion in annual economic impact, and support more than 650,000 jobs across 1,200 hometowns. When they succeed, the impact reaches far beyond the shop floor.

Behind every story is a partnership.

For 30 years, IMEC has worked alongside manufacturers to strengthen operations, build resilient workforces, and help companies adapt and compete. Today, IMEC partners with more than 3,000 manufacturers each year, supporting progress in communities across all 102 counties in Illinois.

The Made in My Hometown series brings these stories to life, capturing how companies grow, the people behind the work, and the impact on employees, families, and communities.

From Chicagoland to Southern Illinois, the series spans the state, featuring Cedar Concepts Corporation, Emriver Inc., Hollister-Whitney Elevator Corporation, Jaidinger Manufacturing Co., PCI Pharma Services, Peoria Production Solutions, Rheo Engineering LLC, Ronk Electrical Industries, Inc., State Line Foundries, LLC, and Three Z Printing Co.

Together, these stories show how manufacturing strengthens hometowns and how partnership helps companies move forward.

First story coming April 14!

Grit, Iron, and the Quiet Strength Forged in South Beloit, Roscoe

 

A South Beloit foundry shows how manufacturing is more than production, it’s people, resilience, and a community that shows up when it matters most. Click here or the image to read the full story.

30 Years of Impact

For three decades, IMEC has helped manufacturers turn challenges into opportunities and progress into lasting impact.

  • 3,000+ manufacturers supported annually
  • Engagements across all 102 counties in Illinois
  • 19:1 average return on investment

Behind every number is a company growing stronger, a workforce advancing, and a community becoming more resilient.

“When manufacturers succeed, their communities succeed. For 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of standing alongside Illinois manufacturers, helping them grow, adapt, and build stronger hometowns.”
— David Boulay, Ph.D., President, IMEC
Be Part of the Story

Manufacturing impacts every corner of Illinois and there’s a role for everyone in its future.

For Manufacturers
Build your story.

For Partners
Be part of the impact.

For Communities
Explore the stories shaping your region.

FEATURE YOUR STORY AND HOMETOWN