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IMEC IMEC is a team of improvement specialists and technicians providing organizations in Illinois with the tools to create sustainable competitive futures.

The experienced hands-on team at IMEC works with its clients to plan critical business improvements. IMEC is a team of improvement specialists and technicians dedicated to providing organizations in Illinois with the tools and techniques to create sustainable competitive futures.

November 12 is getting closer. If AI is part of your manufacturing strategy, now is the time to put the NextGen Manufact...
10/13/2026

November 12 is getting closer. If AI is part of your manufacturing strategy, now is the time to put the NextGen Manufacturing AI Summit on your calendar.

Spend the day hearing how manufacturers are putting AI to work, what they’ve learned along the way and where the technology is creating value.

Seats won’t be available forever. Secure yours today and join us in Downers Grove.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4ywjjoS

The final day of the 2026 Makers on the Move tour offered one last look at the talent, innovation, and determination tha...
10/09/2026

The final day of the 2026 Makers on the Move tour offered one last look at the talent, innovation, and determination that power manufacturing across Illinois, as the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) and the Illinois Manufacturers' Association visited three organizations helping shape the state's manufacturing future.

The day began at Richard J. Daley College, where tour participants got a brief look at how students are preparing for careers in advanced manufacturing through hands-on technical training and workforce development programs.

Next, the tour stopped at Ability Engineering Technology, Inc., where attendees learned how the company's specialized engineering, fabrication, and manufacturing capabilities support critical industries including aerospace, energy, and scientific research.

The final stop brought the tour to Apparel Redefined in Crestwood. From its beginnings as a family-run business to its growth as a leader in custom apparel decoration, the company demonstrated how innovation and craftsmanship continue to drive success in Illinois manufacturing.

From workforce development and technical education to advanced engineering and entrepreneurship, Day 6 highlighted the many paths that strengthen Illinois manufacturing. IMEC and IMA thank every company, educator, community partner, and manufacturing professional who welcomed the tour throughout the week and helped celebrate Manufacturing Month across the state.

The final day of the 2026 Makers on the Move statewide bus tour kicked off at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago, where...
10/09/2026

The final day of the 2026 Makers on the Move statewide bus tour kicked off at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago, where participants toured the Manufacturing Technology Engineering Center (MTEC). The state-of-the-art facility provides students with hands-on experience in computer-integrated manufacturing, robotics, and factory automation, helping prepare them with the skills needed to be work-ready on day one.

Attendees heard from Dr. Zuniga and David Gizardas of Richard J. Daley College, as well as Juan Salgado, Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago, and representatives from Cook County Government. The visit highlighted the critical role education and workforce development partnerships play in preparing the next generation of Illinois manufacturers.

As one of the featured stops on Day 5 of the statewide tour, MTEC showcased how innovative training programs are creating pathways to rewarding careers while helping manufacturers build the skilled workforce needed for the future.

Learn more about the Makers on the Move visit to Richard J. Daley College and how MTEC is helping develop tomorrow's manufacturing workforce by reading the full story on the IMEC website. https://hubs.ly/Q04zNjHb0


Illinois Manufacturers' Association

AI may be driving the conversation, but it’s only one piece of the smart manufacturing picture. Building foundational kn...
10/09/2026

AI may be driving the conversation, but it’s only one piece of the smart manufacturing picture.

Building foundational knowledge in connected systems, industrial data, and other smart manufacturing technologies can help you better evaluate emerging opportunities and make more informed decisions about where to invest.

The ToolingU AI and Smart Manufacturing learning path builds that foundation across your workforce. Our latest article explains how and includes sample course previews.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ANQaHe

It's the final day of the Makers on the Move tour! Today's journey includes stops at Richard J. Daley College, Ability E...
10/09/2026

It's the final day of the Makers on the Move tour! Today's journey includes stops at Richard J. Daley College, Ability Engineering Technology, Inc., and Apparel Redefined.

Thank you for joining IMEC and Illinois Manufacturers' Association as we've celebrated the manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners helping shape Illinois manufacturing.

Day 5 of the Makers on the Move tour with IMEC and Illinois Manufacturers' Association highlighted the innovation, talen...
10/08/2026

Day 5 of the Makers on the Move tour with IMEC and Illinois Manufacturers' Association highlighted the innovation, talent, and manufacturing excellence that continue to drive Illinois forward.

We kicked off the day at Ferrara Candy Company in DeKalb, where attendees got a firsthand look at modern manufacturing and learned how Ferrara is developing future industry leaders through its Manufacturing Leadership Program.

Next, we stepped back in time at the J.F. Glidden Homestead, where the invention of barbed wire helped transform American agriculture and cemented DeKalb's place in manufacturing history. The stop served as a reminder that innovation has always been at the heart of Illinois manufacturing. We were also pleased to welcome Kris Johnson of the Association of Washington Business, who joined us to experience Illinois manufacturing firsthand.

The tour then traveled to Custom Aluminum Products, Inc. in Genoa, where we saw how a manufacturer can grow from humble beginnings into a leading aluminum extrusion operation while continuing to invest in workforce development and community partnerships.

We wrapped up the day at Regal Rexnord in Marengo, where advanced manufacturing technologies and precision-engineered solutions are helping power industries around the globe. The visit showcased the innovation and expertise that keep Illinois manufacturing strong.

Thank you to all of our hosts, students, educators, community leaders, elected officials, and manufacturing partners who made Day 5 a success. Manufacturing Month is a celebration of innovation, opportunity, and the people who make it all possible.

Tomorrow marks the final day of the 2026 Makers on the Move tour. Stay tuned as we finish our journey across Illinois and continue highlighting the companies, communities, and careers that make our state's manufacturing sector so strong.

Compressed air powers vital production equipment across almost every manufacturing facility—yet it remains one of the mo...
10/08/2026

Compressed air powers vital production equipment across almost every manufacturing facility—yet it remains one of the most expensive utilities on your plant floor.

In fact, unaddressed leaks and pressure drops silently drain 30% or more of a system’s total energy consumption before air ever reaches its end use.

Join this educational deep dive to examine the most common inefficiencies in industrial compressed air systems. You will discover practical ways to identify hidden leaks, balance system pressure, and lower operating expenses without sacrificing production output.

Attend this webinar to discover:
• How to detect hidden energy leaks: Learn low-cost methods to locate and quantify compressed air leaks across your shop floor.
• How to balance system supply and demand: Understand how optimizing storage and pressure reduces compressor wear and utility bills.
• How to conduct internal system audits: Get an actionable checklist to evaluate compressed air performance in your facility.
• How to achieve immediate energy savings: Discover simple operational adjustments that yield fast energy cost reductions.

October 15 | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Reserve your spot: https://hubs.ly/Q04zyd-M0

The first stop on Day 5 of the Makers on the Move tour brought the bus to Ferrara Candy Company's DeKalb facility, where...
10/08/2026

The first stop on Day 5 of the Makers on the Move tour brought the bus to Ferrara Candy Company's DeKalb facility, where students, educators, manufacturers, and community leaders came together to explore the future of manufacturing in Illinois.

Students from Kishwaukee College, Northern Illinois University, and Waubonsee Community College connected with Ferrara leaders to learn about career opportunities and the company's Manufacturing Leadership Program, which provides hands-on experience across production, quality, maintenance, engineering, environmental health and safety, and supply chain operations.

The stop also included a facility tour with State Representative Jeff Keicher, State Senator Sue Rezin, and Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Deputy Director Manny Lopez, underscoring the importance of collaboration among industry, education, and government to strengthen Illinois' manufacturing workforce.

With hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs open nationwide, initiatives like Makers on the Move help expose students to the rewarding, high-tech careers available in modern manufacturing while building stronger pathways from the classroom to the workforce.

Thank you to Ferrara for opening its doors and demonstrating how investment in people, innovation, and workforce development is helping build a stronger manufacturing future for Illinois.

Read the full story: https://hubs.ly/Q04zDgBh0

Illinois Manufacturers' Association

🎉 Happy 19-Year IMECiversary to Ed Huey, Technical Specialist! For nearly two decades, Ed has helped Illinois manufactur...
10/08/2026

🎉 Happy 19-Year IMECiversary to Ed Huey, Technical Specialist!

For nearly two decades, Ed has helped Illinois manufacturers strengthen their operations, improve workplace safety, and build lasting success. Drawing on his extensive manufacturing leadership experience and expertise in Lean practices, strategic planning, and workforce development, Ed partners with companies to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

One example of his impact involved guiding a manufacturer through its Lean journey, beginning with safety and leadership development and progressing to Lean tools and coaching. The result was a safer work environment, improved workflows, and a culture of continuous improvement that the company was able to sustain on its own.

Thank you, Ed, for your dedication to helping manufacturers become stronger and more competitive. Congratulations on 19 years!

Another exciting day on the Makers on the Move tour! We'll be visiting Ferrara, J.F. Glidden Homestead, Custom Aluminum ...
10/08/2026

Another exciting day on the Makers on the Move tour! We'll be visiting Ferrara, J.F. Glidden Homestead, Custom Aluminum Products, Inc., and Regal Rexnord before ending the day at the FMA Sparkforce Gala.

IMEC and Illinois Manufacturers' Association proud to showcase the innovation, history, and future of manufacturing across Illinois.

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1501 W Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL
61625

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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