Brad Foote Gear Works
- 250 Employees
- Leading supplier of high-speed, intricate gearing systems to the energy and industrial markets
Opportunity
Order visibility to Brad Foote’s materials and manufacturing departments often stretched to as many as 40 days, causing on-time delivery performance to suffer and hindering the company’s ability to grow its industrial parts business.
The battle among states for corporate investment is getting considerable attention today among state and local officials, business groups and in the media. Despite the pitfalls in trying to lure companies across borders with tax incentives or cash, as long as high-wage jobs are in play, there will always be competition, even between friendly neighbors. There is, however, another, more important, side to the story.
A highly effective national program, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), is a network of nonprofit organizations in every state whose sole focus is to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Here in the Midwest, experts in our respective MEP centers work with one another to boost manufacturing productivity and efficiency. For example, we’ll help a steel producer shorten the time it takes to change from one production line to another, increasing responsiveness to their customer. Our specialists are strategically located and they have real manufacturing experience.
Illinois’ manufacturers are leading the recovery by becoming more innovative, investing in new technologies and business practices, and increasing the productivity of their workers. The result: more high-wage manufacturing jobs are being created and retained and economies in local communities are being stabilized. As state and federal elected officials consider ways to spur economic growth, leaders from companies like Ridley Feed Ingredients in Mendota want to ensure that legislators are aware of how they are tapping into IMEC's resources to meet today's challenges.
Ridley leaders recently hosted a briefing and plant tour for Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a Republican serving the 11th District in Illinois. Mr. Kinzinger heard about how IMEC is helping Ridley to contain operating costs and improve profit margins by implementing lean manufacturing practices. He heard about how Ridley is investing in its facilities, and creating new product lines. After the Tour, Congressman Kinzinger shared his insights on the company, the state of manufacturing in the U.S., and the importance of the sector to drive U.S. competitiveness.
Bringing Manufacturing Back to America
Wednesay, July 20th
7:30am - 11:30am
TMA Headquarters
1177 S. Dee Road
Park Ridge, IL 60068
