Elk Grove Manufacturer Adding Jobs and Expanding Capacity With Help From IMEC and DCEO

Posted by Amy Fitzgerald on Aug 5, 2011 1:40:49 PM

Bley LLC hosts briefing and tour with State Senator Dan Kotowski

The Manager of Bley LLC told State Senator Dan Kotowski that his company was able to continue its expansion and implement its growth plans during the recent economic downturn in part because of assistance provided by the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) and funding support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Kotowski met on Wednesday with Bley LLC’s Krishna Rajagopal and leaders from IMEC to tour the facility and discuss manufacturing competitiveness in Illinois.

The Elk-Grove-based Bley LLC has added over 20 high-wage jobs, brought in newer high tech equipment, and recently completed a facility expansion that will enable the company to meet increased demand for the custom machined parts it produces for customers in the Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Mining, and other sectors. Rajagopal described how he utilized IMEC’s resources to help secure much-needed quality management training and certification that is opening the door for new work in new sectors. In addition, an ARRA grant provided by DCEO to make large wind components enabled Bley LLC to acquire a state-of-the art vertical turning milling grinding machine and add capacity to fill new orders. The machine is housed in a new 7,500 square foot state-of-the-art addition to the Bley LLC facility.

“Because of this help, we were able to take a small company and grow it to another level,” Rajagopal said. “We wanted the Senator to know that these programs really do make a difference for manufacturers like ours.”

The non-profit IMEC provides Illinois manufacturers with hands on technical assistance in areas such as process optimization, quality, safety, and operational excellence. The organization receives partial funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce to reach out to manufacturers throughout the state. However, state matching funds are needed in order for IMEC to access the federal grants.

Senator Kotowski, who chairs the Appropriations Committee that has budgetary oversight for economic development programs in Illinois, talked about how he and other legislators are focused on providing resources to proven programs that generate a return to taxpayers.

“There are so many worthy ways to allocate the state’s limited resources,” said Kotwoski. “It’s great to hear from companies like Bley LLC who are thriving in part because state-supported programs stepped in and helped. Our growth as an economy is because of the growth in manufacturing.”

IMEC VP Tucker Kennedy told Kotowski that IMEC annually generates more than $100 million in verified benefits in manufacturing cost savings, sales, investments, and employment. These benefits, in turn, result in more than $250 million in state and local economic impacts, including more than a four dollar increase in state and local tax revenues for every dollar the state provides to IMEC.

“IMEC works with you to kick every stone, and turn over every rock to find efficiencies and opportunities to build a better business,” said Rajagopal. “Having an outside set of eyes looking at ways to make you better and suggest tools and programs is always an invaluable resource for a smaller manufacturer.”

“We know that state dollars are limited,” said David Boulay, IMEC President, who also attended the briefing. “We appreciate Senator Kotowski’s leadership and for recognizing those programs that have proven effective in helping manufacturers to innovate, develop new capabilities, and compete globally. Our results prove that we meet the state’s ‘Budgeting for Results’ mandate.”

Following the meeting, Rajagopal provided a tour of the Bley LLC facility for Kotowski and the IMEC representatives. Photos of the visit are available on IMEC's Facebook Page

illinois_manufacturing_extension_center_bley_logo

Amy Fitzgerald

Written by Amy Fitzgerald

    Subscribe to Email Updates:

    Stay Connected:

    Posts by Category