Blogs
Sustaining Continuous Improvement: Strategies for Long-Term CI Success
Why do so many Lean initiatives lose momentum and how can manufacturers sustain results? Mark Loscudo shares four practical pillars for building continuous improvement systems that last.
Webinar Recordings
SUSTAIN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Strategies for Long-Term CI Success
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: SUSTAIN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Strategies for Long-Term CI Success Watch: DRIVING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Unlocking Potential With Value Stream Mapping Many Lean initiatives show impressive results at first, […]
News
SomerCor Expands Board of Directors, Emphasizing Strategic Partnerships
CHICAGO, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SomerCor, a nonprofit U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Certified Development Company (CDC) and leading provider of SBA 504 financing, today announced the appointment of Adrienne H. […]
News
IMEC Launches NextGen Makers Internship Program to Strengthen Illinois Manufacturing Workforce
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) today announced the launch of the NextGen Makers Internship Program, a structured, employer-driven initiative designed to help small and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers develop skilled […]
Blogs
What SMMs Need to Know About Implementing CMMC
With CMMC now embedded in DoD contracts, small and mid-sized manufacturers must act quickly to assess gaps, plan implementation, and secure their place in the defense supply chain.
Blogs
From Labor Gaps to Long-Term ROI: How Apprenticeships Pay Off for Small and Mid-Sized Manufacturers
Structured apprenticeships help small and mid-sized manufacturers reduce turnover, boost productivity, and build the skilled workforce needed for technology-driven growth.
Blogs
Fit for Purpose: Framing Problems That Truly Deserve Automation
Not every manufacturing problem deserves automation, the key to high-impact results is defining the right problem before selecting a solution.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Your Strategy Isn’t the Problem. Leadership Depth Is.
Many manufacturing performance challenges attributed to strategy or market conditions are actually symptoms of insufficient leadership depth.
News
Cook County Announces Grant Program for Casting and Forging Businesses
Cook County has launched Cook County Forging Growth, a grant and cohort program helping local casting and forging manufacturers modernize operations and compete for new opportunities.
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Apprenticeships turn workforce uncertainty into a predictable, controllable input, delivering measurable ROI while strengthening operational stability and long-term competitiveness.
Webinar Recordings
FIT FOR PURPOSE: How to Frame Problems That Deserve Automation
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: FIT FOR PURPOSE: How to Frame Problems That Deserve Automation Use: Manufacturing Automation Problem Statement Worksheet Read: How Illinois Manufacturers are Adopting Advanced Technologies: An Insight […]
Blogs
SMED Made Simple: Cutting Changeover Time to Boost Productivity and Flexibility
SMED Made Simple breaks down how manufacturers can dramatically reduce changeover time to unlock higher productivity, flexibility, and equipment utilization.
Blogs
Safety in Maintenance: Protecting Workers and Ensuring Reliability
Maintenance work sits at the intersection of safety and reliability, and this article explores why targeted planning, training, and systems are essential to reducing risk while improving operational performance.
Blogs
Engaging a Multi-Generational Workforce: Strengthening Skills Through Training Pathways
Manufacturers can turn generational diversity into a competitive advantage by building intentional training pathways that strengthen skills, preserve institutional knowledge, and support employees at every career stage.
Blogs
Mastering Job Methods: Unlocking Continuous Improvement with Training Within Industry (TWI)
A practical look at how Training Within Industry (TWI) Job Methods empowers frontline leaders to drive continuous improvement by making everyday work safer, easier, and more efficient on the shop floor.
News
Inprentus Awarded NASA SBIR Phase III Contract to Support Advanced Space Optics Manufacturing
Illinois-based precision optics manufacturer Inprentus has been awarded a NASA SBIR Phase III contract, highlighting how advanced manufacturing capabilities are enabling next-generation space science and aerospace innovation.
Discover Reliable Suppliers and Strengthen Your Supply Chain
Our cutting-edge supply chain center is designed to connect Illinois manufacturers with suppliers across the United States. Tailored specifically to support the Buy America Initiative, this initiative fosters local sourcing and empowers manufacturers to access a diverse network of reliable suppliers.
Career Pathways in Manufacturing
We created Career Pathways in Manufacturing to strengthen workforce and economic competitiveness, securing a resilient economy for the future.