Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program  applications are now available through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Do you have new ideas, potential new products and services, or opportunities to connect with technology partners related to some of the following research topics? When applying for this unique opportunity, businesses have a chance to submit proposals for innovative ideas. Research topics for this year’s program include:

IMEC has broadened its service offering by partnering with Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA), an international cost management consultancy. With over 700 consultants worldwide and 230 in the US, ERA delivers savings to its clients in over 30 cost management categories including logistics, supplies, telecom, chemicals, insurance and services.

Smart Medical Technology, Inc. designs and manufactures medical and healthcare products that have impacted the evolution of healthcare services worldwide.

Smart Medical Technology has patented, trademarked, and received FDA approval, and UL certification of its ground breaking lateral patient transfer system.

Made in Illinois' featured manufacturer this week is Heidtman Steel Products is a steel service center incorporated in 1954.

Heidtman Steel Products - Granite City division processes steel coils for the automotive, lawn and garden, truck and trailer, irrigation and wheel manufacturing sectors. Heidtman brings steel coils in from a variety of mill sources and pickles, slits and cuts the steel into sheets. The steel can be used in a wide variety of manufacturing operations, including stamping, rollforming and laser cutting.

The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) and Joliet Junior College’s Business and Industry Training Services have partnered with the founder of Quick Response Manufacturing, Dr. Rajan Suri of the University of Wisconsin-Madison to bring southwest Chicago-area manufacturers a full-day training session on the methodology and tools of Quick Response Manufacturing. During the past 18 years, Suri has developed and proved out the effectiveness of Quick Response Manufacturing along with over 200 partner companies.

Alpha Precision, Inc. specializes in ultrasonic drilling and machining of wafers for semi-conductor and MEMS applications.

IMEC, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), and DuPage County have partnered to provide fully funded E3 technical assistance to DuPage facilities.

Economy, Energy, Environment (E3) ensures that a company's environmental resources and 3M resources - Manpower, Machine, and Money - are utilized as effectively as possible, to increase waste reduction.

Dairy Based Store Brand Products

The rolling hills and rural beauty of Northern Illinois are the home of Berner Food and Beverage.The company began as a cheese making operation in 1942 and has grown from a small producer of Swiss cheese to a relatively large supplier of dairy based store brand products and contract manufactured items.

The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) announced seventeen manufacturing specialists recently completed the comprehensive Galliard Group Family Business Advisor Level One training program in Bloomington, Illinois. Completion of the certification equips the IMEC team members with comprehensive tools to assist family-owned and closely-held businesses.

As catalysts of information and improvement resources for Illinois manufacturers, IMEC strives to provide the most up-to-date trends and programs. Even the common overhead expenses such as electricity and gas should be considered when reducing cost or reducing waste. The following is information about the Nicor Energy Efficiency Program for manufacturers.