This is an original article from the MFG Day blog.

 The 7th annual celebration of modern manufacturing is upon us - October 5, 2018! Over 100 event hosts have already registered in Illinois, and are finalizing presentations and preparing to host attendees. All of this activity is taking place behind the scenes, as we get ready for the Manufacturing Day events that will commence on October 5th, 2018, continuing throughout the month of October.

With over 20 years in the industry, Maria joined the IMEC team 2 years ago as a regional manager. Her expertise as a business leader with a passion for strategic change, proves to be an asset as she works with Illinois manufacturers to realize their visions into actionable plans, helping to create their competitive futures.

With over 40 years of experience, D&J Metalcraft has the knowledge and experience to provide any company with the parts they need. From the simplest, to the most complex, from prototyping to production. D&J is confident that they can meet and surpass all requirements.

Conveniently located in Ravenswood on Chicago’s north-side, D&J can provide their services no matter where you’re located.

Providing precision crafted metal products, D&J is here to serve you. They offer a variety of services including automatic inserts, grinding, surface finish, vertical bandsaw, horizontal bandsaw, prototyping, product assembly, and more.

Pioneer Service is a Certified Women-Owned contract manufacturer that specializes in CNC Swiss machining, CNC turning, and Centerless Grinding services. In 1990 Pioneer Service started with a few screw machines, centerless grinders and a young woman passionate about developing a machining business that delivers top-quality parts. Today Pioneer Service delivers quick turn-around times for prototype and production volume orders. They are AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified, and able to meet the needs of Aerospace, Electric Vehicles, Firearms, Hydraulics and Fluid Power, Medical and Dental, Oil and Gas, and many other demanding industries.

They have been serving customers throughout North America since 1990, with precision machined Swiss parts as their primary specialty. Their top quality equipment provides them with the flexibility to make parts that meet any budget or deadline goal, and their strong values provide customers with peace of mind.

Since 1997, KVF Quad Corporation’s quality management system has been ISO Certified, and continues to maintain their qualifications to the most current revisions. KVF has a long history of providing quality products to customers such as Case-New Holland, Caterpillar, John Deere and a host of other companies who provide quality parts to the agricultural, aerospace, automotive, medical and construction industries.

KVF focuses on monitoring customer satisfaction, using quality suppliers and products, practicing continual improvement policies, and minimizing rework and waste. KVF’s quality policy and motto “To meet or exceed our customer’s expectations” reflects how actions bear testimony towards their total commitment. Listening to their customer, determining needs, defining product requirements and applying measures ensure that their processes provide consistent uniform results and continuous customer satisfaction.

There is always room to improve any process or operation. By equipping team members to apply lean manufacturing principles and techniques, companies gain a competitive edge internally and externally. Continuous improvement is a method designed to implement incremental changes that will improve efficiency, increase profits and eliminate waste.

Technology and business processes are advancing and changing – but are manufactures adapting to the changing sales environment to maintain their competitive edge? No matter if you are in a dedicated sales role, or if you occasionally promote your company’s products and services, it is essential to adjust your sales tactics.

In 1953, Midco designed an innovative new charcoal-free, gas-fired broiler for famed Chicago restaurant Don Roth's Black Hawk Restaurant. In time, industry demand for this exceptional development resulted in the creation of the EmberGlo division, a branch of Midco International dedicated to the needs of the food service industry.

Over the years, the EmberGlo division has expanded to encompass not only gas and electric broilers but a full line of heavy-duty food steamers and commercial kitchen accessories. Although the product line has expanded, the essential elements of EmberGlo's success have remained the same quality, reliability, durability and customer service.

As a manufacturer of Broilers and Steamers for 60 Years, EmberGlo's popular Gas Broilers are carefully designed to be all-ceramic, open-hearth, charcoal-free and include the exclusive patented Flaretrol system to control flame flare ups and has the added benefit of No Messy Grease pan. They also provide food Steamers for counter tops that can be direct water hook up or self contained. Front open models can fit under the counter.

EmberGlo is an ISO 9001 Registered Company, and are committed to providing quality products, innovative solutions through technology and value added services to all customers. 

They first opened their doors in 1916 in Rockford, Illinois.  Throughout the years, Excelsior has been able to combine the sophistication required to deal with large international OEM manufacturers while retaining the scale and personal service valued by companies of all sizes.  Whether it is a standard part for a household consumer product or proprietary piece for an aerospace company, their team will work with customers to design, prototype and manufacture parts that meet the exact specifications of any project.

Excelsior takes pride in their expansive material stock, high level of technical competence, rapid prototyping, processes, flexible delivery and stocking programs, and their AS9100 Aerospace quality management system!