Blogs
From Chaos to Clarity: Building a Training Management System That Drives Manufacturing Success
Strong training systems do more than onboard employees, they preserve critical knowledge, improve performance, and help manufacturers build a skilled workforce prepared for long-term success.
Webinar Recordings
TRAINING MANAGEMENT SUCCESS: Transforming Chaos to Clarity
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: TRAINING MANAGEMENT SUCCESS: Transforming Chaos to Clarity Success Story: Transforming Operations through Trusted Digital Partnerships Manufacturing today faces major workforce challenges from the loss of legacy […]
Blogs
Beyond the Shop Floor: Applying Lean Thinking to Office and Support Functions
Lean isn’t just for the shop floor, discover how applying Lean principles to office and support functions can eliminate hidden waste, streamline workflows, and improve overall business performance.
Blogs
Boost Team Performance by Understanding Work Styles
Discover how understanding DiSC work styles can help manufacturing leaders improve communication, reduce conflict, and build stronger, more collaborative teams.
Blogs
Seeing Waste Clearly: How IIoT Helps Manufacturers Reveal and Remove the 8 Wastes
Discover how combining Lean principles with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology helps manufacturers make the eight wastes visible, improve decision-making, and drive continuous improvement.
Webinar Recordings
MODERNIZING MATERIAL MOVEMENT: Automation Strategies for Casting and Forging
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: MODERNIZING MATERIAL MOVEMENT: Automation Strategies for Casting and Forging Watch: SIMPLE. SAFE. ACCESSIBLE: Why Automation Is Attainable for Casting & Forging Manufacturers Watch: REINVENTING METAL PROCESSES: […]
Webinar Recordings
BEYOND THE SHOP: Lean Thinking in Office and Support Functions
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: BEYOND THE SHOP: Lean Thinking in Office and Support Functions Read: How to Translate Lean Principles Into Your Office Functions This session explores how small and […]
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Defense Industry Day Presentations
Access the presentation materials from Defense Industry Day, where manufacturers, defense contractors, and industry experts came together to discuss opportunities within the defense industrial base. These presentations provide insights into […]
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Developing the Next Level of Leadership in Manufacturing
Manufacturers facing persistent workforce shortages and evolving skill demands can leverage apprenticeships as a proven, high-ROI strategy to build sustainable talent pipelines and future-proof their operations.
Webinar Recordings
BOOST TEAM PERFORMANCE: Unlocking the Power of Workstyles
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: BOOST TEAM PERFORMANCE: Unlocking the Power of Workstyles Whitepaper: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Workstyles shape how individuals think, communicate, and get things done. Understanding and adapting to […]
Whitepapers, Reports & Executive Briefs
Grant Guide for Small Businesses
Learn how to identify grant opportunities, submit competitive applications, and secure funding to support your business growth.
Webinar Recordings
SIMPLE. SAFE. ACCESSIBLE: Why Automation Is Attainable for Casting & Forging Manufacturers
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: SIMPLE. SAFE. ACCESSIBLE: Why Automation Is Attainable for Casting & Forging Manufacturers Session 1 Recording: REINVENTING METAL PROCESSES: AI and Advanced Manufacturing in Casting and Forging […]
Blogs
Too Hot to Handle? Navigating OSHA’s New Heat Safety Rules
OSHA’s expanded 2026 Heat NEP is increasing inspections, making heat illness prevention and worker protection more critical than ever.
Webinar Recordings
SEE WASTE CLEARLY: Using IIoT to Reveal and Remove the 8 Wastes
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Session Handout: SEE WASTE CLEARLY: Using IIoT to Reveal and Remove the 8 Wastes Watch: SUSTAIN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Strategies for Long-Term CI Success Waste takes a toll on […]
News
IMEC to Host Defense Industry Day to Strengthen U.S. Industrial Base and Expand Opportunities for Illinois Manufacturers
Manufacturers, defense leaders, and economic development partners will gather June 16–17 for Defense Industry Day hosted by IMEC to strengthen the U.S. industrial base and expand defense supply chain opportunities.
News
Meet the Finalists: 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards
Manufacturers across Illinois are navigating workforce challenges, rising costs, and constant change. Across the state, companies, educators, and industry partners are finding new ways to adapt, grow, and lead. On […]
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.