Illinois Manufacturing Supply Chain Center Tackling Costs & Reshoring Opportunities

How U.S. Manufacturers Can Take Advantage of Reshoring

Navigate the reshoring landscape by adding value to the supply chain.

Mitigate Tariff Risk – Consider Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Reduce tariff risks and improve cash flow by leveraging a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) to defer, reduce, or eliminate import duties—enhancing your supply chain and competitiveness.

BRACE
FOR
IMPACT.

SourcingSupply Chain LeadershipStrategy

BRACE FOR IMPACT: How a Foreign Trade Zone Can Mitigate Tariff Risk

Learn about the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Program and its potential benefits for Illinois importers.

Business GrowthSourcingSupply Chain Strategy

How to Become More Valuable to Your OEM

Understand what OEMs are driving for and implement improvement activities to elevate your standing.

What Do You Mean, Supply Chain?

Gain a better understanding of your supply chain and how to solve common problems that may occur.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAutomationSourcingSupply Chain GrowthOperationsTechnology

Building the Quantum Technology Supply Chain With MATTR

This blog explores how NIST’s MATTR initiative helps manufacturers build a quantum technology supply chain, with IMEC driving Illinois' innovation.

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 1)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron discusses effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 2)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron continues the conversation on effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

PARTNERS
IN
PROGRESS.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: Manufacturing Updates & Supply Chain Resilience

Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to be part of a crucial conversation involving economic, industry, and community resources all dedicated to helping manufacturers like you not just survive but thrive.

NAVIGATING THE STORM: The Quest for Supply Chain Stability

Learn about supply chain stability and strategies you can take to achieve your goals!

INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGEMENT: Strategies and Tips to Help Your Company Maintain Good Inventory Practices

Learn some great tips for maintaining good inventory practices and ensuring long-term success in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

CRACKING
THE
CODE.

CRACKING THE CODE: Succeeding at Matchmaking Events with Effective Strategies

Join us for a webinar to learn how to unlock the secrets to successful supplier matchmaking in preparation for the Midwest Aerospace Conference in Rockford IL on September 20th.

MASTERING
PRICE
NEGOTIATIONS.

MASTERING PRICE NEGOTIATIONS: Strategies to Counter Rising Costs

Learn how you can master the art of negotiating with indices during inflationary periods in this webinar.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: Strategies for Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers

Learn some great strategies for improving your supply chain as a small to mid-sized manufacturer in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

MITIGATE
OPERATIONAL
RISKS.

MITIGATE OPERATIONAL RISKS: Managing Your Supply Chain Processes and Procedures

Attend this webinar to get an understanding on how to decrease supply chain risks by evaluating and monitoring your supplier performance.

Thankful for Effective Supply Chains

MEP Supply Chain program leaders explore the attributes of effective supply chains including visibility, responsiveness, and the five critical areas.

Business GrowthSourcing Leadership

80/20 Business Process Optimization

Sharpen your focus on key customers and products to drive profitability.

STRATEGIC
EFFICIENCY
UNLEASHED.

Business GrowthSourcing Strategy

STRATEGIC EFFICIENCY UNLEASHED: Mastering the 80/20 Principle

Optimize business stability, profit, and growth. Empower technical and project managers to efficiently handle existing customers.

ApprenticeshipsSourcing Workforce

The Importance of Apprenticeships in Manufacturing: Alleviating Workforce Challenges and Building the Future

In the latest IMEC Blog, Amy Murphy, Technical Specialist at IMEC, discusses the importance of apprenticeships in manufacturing and how you can get started

SourcingSuccession Planning Strategy

Securing Your Manufacturing Legacy: Why Talent Succession Planning Matters

In the manufacturing industry, where innovation, efficiency, and quality are paramount, investing in talent succession is an investment in your organization's future.

FILL
YOUR
PIPELINE.

Marketing & SalesSourcing Growth

FILL YOUR PIPELINE: Grow Your Prospect Pool Using Digital Marketing

Join us for a webinar program discussing digital marketing tools that can help you expand your reach and find talent.

ApprenticeshipsSourcing Workforce

Empowering with Apprenticeships: Attract & Retain Top Talent Manufacturing Roundtable

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is a transformative resource that is reshaping the manufacturing landscape across Illinois by connecting manufacturers to opportunities to grow their business. Designed specifically for small and midsized manufacturers (SMMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this dynamic hub is your direct connection to the partners, suppliers, and opportunities essential for taking your business to the next level.

The Supply Chain Center offers:

Local & National Supplier Connections: Gain access to expert supplier scouting for Buy America, connecting you with Illinois-based and U.S. suppliers equipped to meet your needs.
New Business Opportunities: View real-time sourcing requests and match with buyers actively seeking trusted suppliers.
Strong Community Ties Through Local Sourcing: Promote economic growth in Illinois through responsible and sustainable sourcing practices that foster community resilience.
Expanded Reach with Direct Supplier-Buyer Connections: Seamlessly network with domestic suppliers or take on new projects that elevate your impact.

“This Supply Chain Center is a game-changer for Illinois manufacturing. With an emphasis on local sourcing, we’re creating new avenues for small manufacturers to enter significant supply chains and fuel transformative growth.”

David Boulay President of IMEC

Ready to Find the Right Suppliers Across Illinois and Nationwide?

Complete a brief questionnaire outlining your specific needs, and get matched with reliable suppliers tailored to your requirements.

Take action today. Adrian Garces is ready to guide you through every step of your journey. The Illinois Manufacturing Supply Chain Center is here to help you connect with ideal suppliers and unlock new opportunities.

"*" indicates required fields

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: Strategies for Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers

Learn some great strategies for improving your supply chain as a small to mid-sized manufacturer in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 1)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron discusses effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

Developing a Supply Chain Strategy as a Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturer (Part 2)

In the latest supply chain blog, Jeanne Perron continues the conversation on effective strategies for small to mid-sized manufacturers to develop and expand their supply chain.

BRACE
FOR
IMPACT.

SourcingSupply Chain LeadershipStrategy

BRACE FOR IMPACT: How a Foreign Trade Zone Can Mitigate Tariff Risk

Learn about the Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Program and its potential benefits for Illinois importers.

Advanced Manufacturing TechnologyAutomationSourcingSupply Chain GrowthOperationsTechnology

Building the Quantum Technology Supply Chain With MATTR

This blog explores how NIST’s MATTR initiative helps manufacturers build a quantum technology supply chain, with IMEC driving Illinois' innovation.

CRACKING
THE
CODE.

CRACKING THE CODE: Succeeding at Matchmaking Events with Effective Strategies

Join us for a webinar to learn how to unlock the secrets to successful supplier matchmaking in preparation for the Midwest Aerospace Conference in Rockford IL on September 20th.

Thankful for Effective Supply Chains

MEP Supply Chain program leaders explore the attributes of effective supply chains including visibility, responsiveness, and the five critical areas.

What Do You Mean, Supply Chain?

Gain a better understanding of your supply chain and how to solve common problems that may occur.

PARTNERS
IN
PROGRESS.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS: Manufacturing Updates & Supply Chain Resilience

NAVIGATING THE STORM: The Quest for Supply Chain Stability

Learn about supply chain stability and strategies you can take to achieve your goals!

Success Stories

FosterWorks LLC

A woman-owned fabrication shop in Chicago uses the IMEC Supply Chain Matchmaking service to find new business opportunities.

Supply Chain Operations

Business GrowthSourcingSupply Chain Strategy

How to Become More Valuable to Your OEM

Understand what OEMs are driving for and implement improvement activities to elevate your standing.

How U.S. Manufacturers Can Take Advantage of Reshoring

Navigate the reshoring landscape by adding value to the supply chain.

SUPPLY
CHAIN
CENTER.

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) Launch Innovative Supply Chain Center, Transforming the Manufacturing Industry in Illinois

Supply Chain

SUPPLY
CHAIN
MAPPING.

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) Launches Supply Chain Mapping Effort in Collaboration with BlueForge Alliance and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)

Supply Chain

Supply Chain Grants and Initiatives

IMEC & World Business Chicago Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive the Future of Manufacturing in Chicago

INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGEMENT: Strategies and Tips to Help Your Company Maintain Good Inventory Practices

Learn some great tips for maintaining good inventory practices and ensuring long-term success in the latest IMEC blog by Joshua Falco.

MASTERING
PRICE
NEGOTIATIONS.

Success Stories

Laser Technologies Inc.

A machine tool manufacturing company in Naperville connects with the IMEC Supply Chain Center to find new markets for their supplies.

Supply Chain Operations

MASTERING PRICE NEGOTIATIONS: Strategies to Counter Rising Costs

Learn how you can master the art of negotiating with indices during inflationary periods in this webinar.

MITIGATE
OPERATIONAL
RISKS.

MITIGATE OPERATIONAL RISKS: Managing Your Supply Chain Processes and Procedures

Attend this webinar to get an understanding on how to decrease supply chain risks by evaluating and monitoring your supplier performance.

Mitigate Tariff Risk – Consider Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)

Reduce tariff risks and improve cash flow by leveraging a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) to defer, reduce, or eliminate import duties—enhancing your supply chain and competitiveness.