Antuanet Sanchez has joined the IMEC team bringing a strong background in project management and customer service skills to Illinois organizations. As a Technical Specialist with more than 15 years of experience working in a Fortune 500 project management office, Antuanet has a passion for continuous improvement and prides herself on leading cross-functional and remote teams.

Trufab Group USA LLC is a precision sheet metal fabricator and job shop, specializing in CNC punching and bending.  They have advanced capabilities in metal fabrication in order to manufacture a wide range of products. They also utilize cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including precision CNC machinery and quality control systems.

A full-service manufacturing company, Trufab focuses on fast turnaround, competitive pricing, and above all, quality.  They specialize in low-to medium-production volumes and aim for 100% on-time delivery. Trufab is committed to steady growth through investing in the latest manufacturing equipment and innovations in the industry which enables them to provide complete metal finishing solutions for their customers’ products.

Wm Dudek Mfg is an ISO registered contract manufacturer that specializes in the use of the multi-slide and four-slide process to manufacture metal stampings and wire forms. Some of their top products include metal stampings produced using the fourslide process. They also provide complete in house tool & die design and fabrication, a full range of subcontracted processes from heat treat to plating, tapped and threaded clips and clamps, and inventory management programs.

Today, Wm Dudek Mfg is proud to deliver the same quality and reliability that was there at the beginning while expanding to serve Fortune 500 companies and shipping internationally.  Their mission is simply produce the best possible parts on time at a competitive price.

The Building Clean database lists more than 2500 U.S. facilities manufacturing energy efficient products in the key energy and water efficient product sectors of appliances, HVAC, insulation, lighting, plumbing, roofing, and sealants – plus an added section on certified water filtration systems. You can search by product type, market sector, locality (both state and zip code), manufacturing tier, and the product’s material composition. Included is information on chemical hazards associated with certain products and those that are certified by third parties as healthy.

Written by Maria Moran, IMEC Regional Manager

Given the constant change and challenges we face as leaders, some foundations are so solid that they are truisms. Yet, sometimes we deserve a few reminders.

A Fresh Look

Survival of the fittest instincts run through us all. We are wired to look for the negative in an effort to protect ourselves. What if we created a culture that trained teams to recognize the positive first? Would solutions be created more efficiently? What if you created a vibrant business by changing the lens that your business is viewed through by its employees?

Reynolds Manufacturing Company is a well-established manufacturing company with over 100 years of experience in manufacturing quality tools, fixtures, and special machines.  Reynolds provides complete manufacturing facilities, designed to meet the requirements of modern manufacturing.

Reynolds facilities offer 4 loading docks, 10,000-pound hoisting capability, 8,000-pound forklift capability.  The facilities have machining capability of CNC horizontal milling X-84”, Y-192”, Z-20”, boring mill capacity X-72”, Y-48”, Z-32” and vertical lathe capacity X-56”, Y- 36”.  They have many CNC machines and horizontal & vertical centers.  Additionally their team is able to bore, mill, tap, and turn and can make tooling, repair dies and do design to build parts.

Builders Cabinet Supply is Chicago's very own manufacturer of dream kitchens and bathrooms for over 25 years.  They sell their premium cabinetry directly to customers – saving them up to 40% versus retail cabinetry and helping support hundreds of Chicago’s very own builders and developers.

Builders Cabinet’s experienced craftsman use only the finest materials combined with some of the most advanced woodworking technology to produce the cabinetry for your dream kitchen or bathroom.  In-house  designers and service professionals help guide customers through remodeling projects. They will even do a free consultation to discuss designs and help bring to life customers' visions. 

Written by Mary Hallock, IMEC Technical Specialist

October is National Fire Prevention Month -- a great time to ensure your workforce is prepared for all types of emergencies. Start by reviewing any emergency procedures and documentation you have for the organization. Are they up-to-date? Do your staff know how to respond in the event of an emergency?

Fire in a business setting can cause an interruption in production, loss of revenue, and even worse, it could put your team at great risk. Understanding a few simple preparedness techniques may save you from a future catastrophe.

PIRTEK is the fluid power system leader in sales and service. It is the only brand of its kind in franchising in the United States. PIRTEK boasts more than 400 service and supply centers in 23 countries around the world, and has more than 30 years of experience in the hydraulic and industrial hose replacement field. Powered by an industry-leading approach to sales and service and backed by a corporate center passionate about its franchisees and customers, PIRTEK offers unmatched service and logistics. They offer on-site hydraulic and industrial hose replacement service.

Some of their top products include Bridgestone hydraulic and industrial hose adapters, quick disconnects, tube cutting and bending, and hose clamps.  PIRTEK will arrive on-site and remove, assemble, and replace for any project needed.

Z Print is a Chicago based company specializing in graphic design, print, sign production,  mailing services and website design.  Z Print is a small company that enjoys working with customers on projects.  At Z Print, whether the customer has “camera ready artwork” or just an idea for what a flyer or business card should look like, their team can help with the project.

Z Print has the capability to serve customers in a wide array of areas.  They can do anything from the design of invitations or flyers to building websites all while providing 24/7 customer service.  They are a one-stop shop for all printing needs.

A positive perception of manufacturing is critical for the future success of an organization's talent recruitment, development, and overall industry advancement. Craig Giffi and Michelle Drew Rodriguez, manufacturing experts from Deloitte, share the latest on advancing the image of manufacturing in celebration of MFG Day in America.

American public perception of manufacturing, and where Americans see the manufacturing sector is headed, is optimistic. That’s according to a recent study conducted by Deloitte, the National Association of Manufacturers, and The Manufacturing Institute.[i]