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iBi - March 2010
Winning in the Next Generation
by Tucker Kennedy
IMEC

Years back, a young person who was “good with his/her hands” could walk out of high school and into a factory job that paid a substantial wage. Good enough to support a family, pay the bills, buy a few toys and put everyone through school.

iBi Focus

Manufacturing

  • Publisher's Note
    Local Manufacturers Embracing Change
    by Jan Wright, Publisher

    No longer captive to a handful of major customers, small manufacturers are exploring and entering new markets. They are embracing change, diversifying across product lines and geographic boundaries.

Made In The Region

We still make things in the U.S.? Why yes, yes we do. Despite an overall decline in domestic manufacturing over the last three decades, we haven’t lost everything to China. All kinds of products are still being made and manufactured here in the Peoria area.

Growing the Region Through Teaming
by Linda Krendick
Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Illinois Central College

A coalition of companies that performs all of the manufacturing processes and delivers a completed product allows small business to participate in major manufacturing.

Teaming in Action
by Jonathan Wright

Four central Illinois manufacturers are building a network of trusted partners to take their businesses to the next level.

Are Jobs Returning?
Outsourcing and Central Illinois
by Jim Ryan
Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University

Manufacturers must balance the potentially lower costs of offshoring against many other variables.

The World Is Flat, But Peoria Is Its Center
by Ronald Rainson
Axis Inc.

Change can be unsettling, but if you live in the Tri-County Area, these changes represent new opportunities.

Reduce Inventory, Increase Fulfillment
by Mark Baer, IMEC

Manufacturers can overcome the problems of kanban implementations with “Virtual Pull” systems.

Alternative Growth Options in a Challenging Economy
Provided by Dave Seiler
RSM McGladrey

Working with complementary service businesses that aren’t as cyclical as manufacturing may encourage growth.

Cook Canton
Investing in Central Illinois

The construction of a new medical devices manufacturing plant in Canton is nearly complete.

Next Generation Manufacturing In Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions

Manufacturing jobs pay higher wages than the service sector, generating increased buying power, boosting consumer confidence and stimulating the economy.

Manufacturers’ Tax Credit Can Help Fill Credit Void
by Zee Makhani and Mark Lauber
Paradigm Partners

Retrieve thousands of dollars in cash back from the IRS using an underutilized tax credit.

Lessons in Machine Effectiveness Versus Efficiency
by Darrell Casey
Celerant Consulting

To enhance asset management, focus must shift to the metric of Overall Equipment Effectiveness.

Sustainable Operations Excellence
by Darrell Casey, Celerant Consulting

Companies are creating distinctive competencies through operations excellence, specifically through the application of lean manufacturing.

Driving Change in Regional Manufacturing
by Cindy Patterson
Economic Development Council for Central Illinois

The Specialized Manufacturing Strategy Group of the EDC is driving change.

A Lean & Clean Approach to Manufacturing
by Tucker Kennedy
IMEC

An emerging concept in continuous improvement balances the efficiencies of a company’s processes with development of sustainable operating practices.

The Cat D7E Tractor
Transforming the Industry

The revolutionary electric drive system gives the new D7E an unmatched combination of power, sustainability, control and maneuverability.

A Role to Play in Manufacturing
by State Sen. David Koehler, 46th District

As someone who has worked with unions and manufacturers for much of my life, I know how important manufacturing is to Illinois.

Next-Generation Barrier Keeps Homes Dry
Q&A with Doug Williams, Drywood Products

According to Doug Williams, its founder, Drywood Products manufactures “the only patented method of wall and roof sheathing available today.”

A FIT Evolution
by Jeff Bahnsen
Foremost Industrial Technologies

This re-manufacturer of electric motors, pumps, generators and industrial gearboxes was able to survive and stay healthy during the recession.

In His Own Words
President Obama's Point Man On Manufacturing

Ron Bloom is the president's senior counselor for manufacturing policy.

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iBi Balance
Making It Count for Central Illinois

With the dawn of a new decade comes the national necessity of an updated census, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution to occur every 10 years.

Saving Lives in Haiti
Peorians Work Through Devastation

During Haiti's greatest challenge, Peoria continues its long-term involvement there via Friends of the Children of Haiti.

Also in Balance...

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