The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently released the new ISO 45001 standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). Published on March 12, 2018,  ISO 45001 provides a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create better and safer conditions for workers everywhere.

At Greenwood Plastics Industries they believe in relationships – the kind of relationships that lead to smart production.  The Darby family started Greenwood Plastics in Danville, Illinois, more than 30 years ago. Today, three generations are involved in the day-to-day operations. Proud to be an American manufacturer, GPI employs more than 75 people.

Greenwood Plastics focuses on creating versatile, speedy and cost-effective custom plastics with GPI thermoforming (vacuum forming).  The company services the airline, healthcare, railroad, and retail industries with specific products like containers and tubs.  The manufacturer can offer quotes on an array of projects.

Companies that purchase a new manufacturing information system do so to better manage the business, cut costs, and improve customer relationships – i.e. the “strategy”.  However, when it comes to implementing the system – the “art of execution” – many companies settle for a less than fully-functional solution.  An audit, or gap analysis, of your existing system may yield substantial opportunities for improvement, especially if your company:

• Does not have an IT manager or other personnel intimately familiar with the system.
• Is upgrading an existing system but wants to pinpoint the potential benefits first.
• Experiences disruptions because of underutilized or incapable systems.
• Is in an industry where customer requirements or regulations change frequently.
• Is on a lean journey.
• Has concerns about system fault-tolerance and/or disaster recovery.
• Is experiencing very large year-over-year growth patterns.
• Customer or supplier information exchange interfaces have changed.

Specialty Plastic Fabricators (SPF) was established in 1978. With years of experience in the field, the founders focused on manufacturing flexible “drop-in” tank liners for metal finishing and chemical containment.

In a market that had been under-served for years, the company grew and expanded into other product lines, and larger facilities. Today it occupies 18,000 square feet of clean and modern industrial space where it manufactures a large variety of custom industrial plastic products.  Industrial tank liners remain the backbone of its product line. However, the knowledge and experience of the owners and staff enables the company to make a large variety of electronically welded and sewn products. 

Up-Ride is a cost-effective, low-impact fitness accessory for just about anyone who owns a bicycle. Up-Ride’s patent-pending bicycle accessory stand converts most existing bicycles into both a running and biking stationary exercise machine. With Up-Ride, you mimic running without the jarring impact that occurs when your feet hit the ground. Their Up-Ride accessory also enables you to use your bicycle as a seated stationary bicycle trainer for spinning.

Whether you’re affected by physical limitations, looking to increase your fitness activity safely and economically, don’t belong to a local gym, or simply tired of staring at that bicycle gathering dust in the garage, Up-Ride is an ideal solution.

The following case study highlights the efforts of one Ameren Illinois customer, showcasing the available implementation incentives for energy efficiency measures with a payback period of one year or less. Ameren Illinois is an energy efficiency partner of IMEC.

By all accounts, the folks at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, run a tight ship. So, they were understandably skeptical when Sitton Energy Solutions, an independent energy management and consulting firm, proposed a retro commissioning survey of the 307-bed facility.

“We were tentative at first — it seemed like spending dollars in the hopes of saving dollars,” says Jerry Melching, Project Specialist for Blessing Hospital. “And we had already taken care of the low-hanging fruit.”

That skepticism did not deter Erik Merker, Director of Energy Services at Sitton Energy Solutions.

“We hear that all the time — that ‘there are no opportunities here’ — but why not have an expert validate that when the initial survey doesn’t cost the owner anything?” he says. “There are golden opportunities in retro commissioning — and Ameren Illinois incentivizes it very well.”

Imagine this scenario: Altimax Manufacturer, founded 20 years ago, operates out of rented warehouse space in a large industrial complex.  The warehouse is a metal building and has had three additions, all of different size, shape and roof height over the past 15 years.  Business is good and Altimax expands, hiring more people, renting additional space, adding new products, and using new technologies.  Rather than reorganizing space to incorporate each new operational segment, however, the plant layout has evolved irrationally as the company has grown.  Top management realizes it's got a problem, but the cost of removing walls, cleaning up old stock and moving equipment inhibits the adoption of a more rational plant layout.  Sound familiar?

Set Screw & Mfg. Co. was established in 1935 and now operates out of a 25,700 square foot manufacturing facility located in Elgin, IL employing nineteen people.  The company has over 500 different sizes and styles of set screws currently in stock.  With 46 Brown & Sharpe machines and 80 years of experience they are reliable for quality on time delivery for orders large and small.  For any project requiring 5 pieces to 50 million pieces they are a one stop shop for low carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, aluminum and special material set screw needs.

Their standard product line includes slotted headless set screws, short run square head and chamfered studs with all types of points: cone, flat, cup, knurled cup and specials per print.  We have 46 Brown & Sharpe single turret screw machines capable of producing thousands of screws per day. Set Screw & Mfg. Co. is dedicated to providing products and services that meet and exceed our customer’s expectations.

Neon Design is Chicago's premier custom Neon Sign and Art Studio.  The company was established in 1986 and is comprised of craftsmen with decades of experience creating unique solutions to your visual needs. They take pride in constructing the finest finished product using the highest quality materials, paying careful attention to every detail, every step of the way.

Neon Design manufactures, sells, and installs their products. Their services can be used for versatile lighting and sign projects. In addition to signs and logos the company can also produce architectural lighting.  To view their project gallery click HERE.

Written by Rick Wysocki, President of Language SI

What language do you speak? 75% of internet users have reported they search using their native language even though they may speak English as a second language, and likely speak it very well.  Let's look at a few of the benefits of offering multiple language options on your website for your current/future customers.

Living Image Solutions, founded in 2016, specializes in customized photo gifts. They can incorporate any photo onto aluminum, canvas, ceramic, fabric, glass, slate, or wood. This allows them to create a unique gift for every individual, as well as provide a range of different options.  

Their products are designed and produced in Geneva, IL with literally unlimited options. Some of their items include, awards & plaques, baby items, cell phone cases, serving trays, ornaments and more! They provide a huge selection of objects for each individual to personally customize with their own photo. 

'Avanti' translated is Italian for 'move forward' and moving forward is exactly what Avanti Engineering, Inc. has been doing since 1972.  Established in 1972 by CEO and founder Joseph J. Bratta, Avanti Engineering, Inc. is family-owned business that's committed to providing high-quality, precision-machined parts at affordable prices. 

Manufacturing in Illinois doesn't necessarily mean only metals and machining. The market space is so much bigger! Today, there are more than 180 craft breweries representing this fine state and providing an opportunity for commerce and jobs, as well as tourism and leisure activities.

The domestic craft beer industry in 2016 represented a $23.5 billion market - a more than 10% growth from 2015.  This unique group of small manufacturers also represents a nearly 22% market share of the total US beer market (in dollars) and growing! 

Through the entrepeneurship of their founders and the ingenuity required to develop new beer styles and brands, the craft brewers of Illinois and across the U.S. are paving their own path to success. Learn more about the breweries in your neighborhood by visiting the Brewers Association online: https://www.brewersassociation.org/directories/breweries/

Tonya Gross Millinery designs and manufactures ready-to-wear, couture, and bespoke head wear.  The company produces hand-made headwear for men and women using traditional hat making techniques out of Chicago.

Tonya creates custom hats for everyday wear and special occasions including weddings, parties, and the Kentucky Derby. All hat projects begin with a private consultation and can be scheduled via email.  Tonya Gross Millinery is committed to turning any silhouette a customer desires into a special piece of eye candy.