Whitepapers & Reports
Driving the Manufacturing Renaissance
Discover how Illinois can lead the next manufacturing era: insights, strategies, and opportunities await.
Webinar Recordings
INNOVATE WITH PURPOSE: Balancing Innovation and Human Connection in Manufacturing
In this webinar, Joanne Ruiz will explore how manufacturers can integrate cutting-edge technology without sacrificing the human elements that are essential to growth and innovation.
Webinar Recordings
GROW TO LEAD: Building Stronger Leaders to Drive Results
A session designed to give you a high-level overview of our Leadership Development Series and how it will impact your organization.
Success Stories
Meyer Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.
Fueled by lean principles and daily commitment to improvement, Meyer Tool is building on small wins to achieve record-breaking results, and cultivating a culture where every employee’s voice drives long-term success.
Success Stories
Header Die and Tool, Inc.
With a long-standing commitment to Lean Manufacturing and a decades-long partnership with IMEC, Header Die and Tool continues to transform its workforce and operations through hands-on simulation training. By reintroducing Lean tools and skills to its team, the company fostered shared learning, reduced costs, and laid the foundation for continuous improvement.
Webinar Recordings
AI AT WORK: Transforming the Factory Floor with Smarter AI
This session delivers practical insights and live demonstrations designed to help manufacturing leaders modernize their operations and prepare for the next wave of innovation.
Blogs
The Power of Your Data: Simple AI Dashboards for Smarter Decisions
As AI in manufacturing becomes common, there are many tools for better insight into factories or warehouses. Learn more about digital dashboards and what they do for manufacturers.
News
Budzinski wants to protect manufacturing extension partnership amid proposed federal cuts
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski led a roundtable at Wagner Machine Company in Champaign to champion the critical role of the MEP program, administered in Illinois by IMEC, and to voice strong opposition to proposed federal funding cuts that threaten small manufacturers’ growth and resilience.
Blogs
Work Standards, Standard Work, and Standardized Work: Breaking Down the Confusion
Confused by the terms Work Standards, Standard Work, and Standardized Work? You’re not alone—this article breaks down the subtle differences and shared purpose behind these often-interchanged concepts to bring clarity and alignment to your continuous improvement efforts.
Whitepapers & Reports
AI on the Shop Floor
Artificial Intelligence is no longer the domain of tech giants, small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across Illinois are already using AI to solve real challenges on the shop floor. From predictive maintenance to defect detection and digital twins, AI offers accessible, practical tools that increase productivity, reduce downtime, and free up skilled workers for higher-value tasks.