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.

Written by Roger Shrum, IMEC Regional Manager

Recently in conversation with manufacturers I have fielded questions about Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and what it might do for their business. It is eye opening for me to realize many manufacturing leaders are unclear about TPM and how it serves as a strategic element of the robust Lean program many clients believe they have deployed.  Several key reasons exist for this disconnect. The following explores those reasons and offers suggestions to overcome the misconceptions.

Written by Scott Czysz, IMEC Technical Specialist

“10 Commandments of Facility Layout” has more punch, but when it comes to facility layout, very little is written in stone. Compromise is needed almost every step of the way; this does not mean there should not be a structured approach to facility layout and design. In fact, a structured approach is even more important when there is so much uncertainty and compromise.

The suggestions below are written with factory layout in mind - moving to a new facility, or rearranging your existing facility.  Many of these suggestions can also apply to smaller scale department or cell layout, office layout, or even the layout of your dream home or home workshop.

Written by Steve Barnhart, IMEC Technical Specialist

There really is no secret sauce to conducting an effective strategic planning process. You need to develop a strategy and you have to execute on that strategy. The hard work is the creative exercise of building the vision and bringing it to life with processes and measurable results. Here are a set of questions to help you think through developing your strategy and implementing your strategy. How many of these questions can you answer clearly? And, how many of them can you answer with evidence (proof and results)?

What does Metro Chicago Exports Do?

Building Connections. Through our network of service providers and other partners, Metro Chicago Exports provides vetted referrals to help companies hit the ground running with an exporting strategy.

In 2016 Metro Chicago Exports established partnerships with the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), U.S. Commercial Service, and Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank).

Recently, IndustryWeek Custom Research and Kronos Incorporated released a new manufacturing industry report titled "The Future of Manufacturing: 2020 and Beyond".  The report explores the current and future states of the manufacturing industry and focuses on the strategic management and technological priorities required for manufacturing competitiveness in the years ahead.

Calling all manufacturers with an eye on global sales!

Are you re-actively selling to international customers who find you, rather than taking a proactive and strategic approach to international sales?

Are you struggling to take advantage of growth opportunities in global markets?
If YES… ExporTech could be the answer.

Are you struggling to take advantage of growth opportunities in global markets?

Are you re-actively selling to international customers who find you, rather than taking a proactive and strategic approach to international sales?

If YES... ExporTech could be the answer. 

On Thursday, May 28, IMEC had the privilege of joining the U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council’s Sub-Committee on Innovation and Research and Development, White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership officials, Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) and local manufacturers for a round table discussion.

The discussion was held at the UI LABS: Digital Manufacturing Design Innovation Institute building in Chicago and was centered on the state of innovation in the American supply chain ecosystem, and effective strategies to help small manufacturers identify opportunities for innovation, invest in innovation and upgrade capabilities.

Are you vital as a manufacturer? A new quiz by Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Supply Chain Optimization program looks to provide a quick glimpse into a manufacturer’s vitality. This simple, 10-question quiz will help you to benchmark your abilities regarding strategy, alignment, collaboration, and ultimately optimization within the company’s supply chain.