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.
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.
Blogs
Job Shops have a Unique Set of Challenges
Job shops don’t struggle because they lack work. They struggle because variability is built into everything they do.
Webinar Recordings
OSHA COMPLIANCE OUTLOOK: Key Updates & Priorities for 2026
In this webinar, Brian Bothast, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist with the Peoria OSHA office, will break down OSHA’s upcoming National and Regional Emphasis Programs and what they mean for Illinois manufacturers.