Looking to improve operational performance?
IMEC partners with the International Society of Automation for new resources.

As an official partner of IMEC, the International Society of Automation is committed to helping Illinois' small- and mid-sized manufacturing companies boost revenue, reduce costs, and improve overall operating performance. ISA develops industry-proven automation standards, training, educational resources, and certification programs that produce more capable and competent workforce; safer and more secure and reliable operating environments; and more efficient and profitable results.

After this month’s kickoff of The Genesis Movement, a new approach to strengthen the region's manufacturing firms and expand employment, earnings, and career opportunities for frontline workers, we would like to feature the first installment of the ‘Manufacturing Tour of the Industry’ Series: Novation Industries.

Dura-Lite™ Composite Lifting & Spreader Beams

The Caldwell Group has introduced a brand new Dura-Lite™ product technology in their new Composite Lifting and Spreader Beams in which durable composite materials are bonded together to form ultra-strong lifters. The lightweight products are engineered to withstand the demands of rugged environments while being easy to handle and transport. 

There are new reporting requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).  (https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014/index.html)

Under the OSHA Recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR 1904), Illinois manufacturers with 10 employees are required to prepare and maintain records of occupational injuries and illnesses, using the OSHA 300 Log. This information is important for employers, workers and OSHA in evaluating the safety trends of a workplace, understanding industry hazards, and implementing worker protections to eliminate or reduce hazards.

All employers must report:

1. All work-related fatalities within 8 hours
2. All work-related inpatient hospitalizations, all amputations and all losses of an eye within 24 hours

Report to OSHA by:

1. Calling OSHA’s free and confidential number at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
2. Calling your closest Area Office during normal business hours
3. Using an online form that will soon be available

It is also a good time to review emphasis programs and compare to your facility's current state.

Time is money. QRM means reducing lead times for tasks throughout your company, allowing you to manufacture products for specific customer needs. The result is quick response, improved quality, and lower cost.

Rick Bastian, Chairman and CEO of Blackhawk Bank is pleased to introduce local manufacturers to the innovative concepts of Dr. Rajan Suri, Founder of QRM (Quick Response Manufacturing). On February 3rd, join Blackhawk Bank and area partners for an afternoon seminar that takes a closer look at QRM.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, December 3rd  to join Development Dimensions International (DDI) President Bob Rogers as he discusses his Secrets of Organizational Success.

When looking for new customers, improved revenues, and an all-around increase in profit; where do you turn? New verticals? New Products? New Countries? The International Trade Center of the Illinois Small Business Development Center looks to help you learn the value behind exporting with a new workshop series in October 2014 that will help Illinois businesses understand what exporting is, who to sell to, how to export, and how to get paid. Learn more about this workshop series below.

The 2014 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Workshop is happening in Moline on September 9, 10, and 11th - Be sure to stop by and say "hi" to IMEC! The fourth in a series, the 2014 Workshop will address the latest developments in applied advanced processing techniques. Presentations by leading researchers from academia, industry, and government will focus on applied research suitable for implementation in manufacturing within industry and government agencies.

Written by Rob Newbold, IMEC Manufacturing Specialist

It started for me when my dad asked me to program the VCR as a teenager.  For the first time, I could see that my knowledge set, experience at electronics, and willingness to test ideas was greater than his.  Now that I’m a dad, I realize it may have been that he was just too tired to get behind the TV to make all the connections and wanted to give me a sense of accomplishment.  Depending on which eyes you see a situation from can provide a very different set of outcomes.

Welcome the newest member of the IMEC team, CI specialist serving the Greater Chicagoland area...

Megan Falconer, a Technical Specialist with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, has four years of manufacturing experience as a Product Engineer, Materials Coordinator, Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Process Engineer in both the steel and plastics industries.  APICS certified, Megan has also completed course work and training in Six Sigma Green Belt and lean tools and methodologies.