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 talent through hands-on internships. Developed with support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the program provides manufacturers with a clear framework […]
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
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
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 Report on Automation, Workforce, and Productivity Before you buy a robot, write a line of code, or install a sensor make sure you’re solving the […]
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.