CHICAGO, May 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Kane County and
the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) are pleased to
announce the first grant recipients of the Kane County
Manufacturing Program. These grants represent a significant boost
for local manufacturers, showcasing their commitment to excellence
and innovation.
The Kane County Manufacturing Program is a joint initiative
between Kane County and IMEC that
equips companies with the resources and support needed to excel in
their industry. The Lighthouse Manufacturing Grants, awarded to
these exceptional companies, are a testament to their dedication to
continuous improvement and growth.
Kane County Board Chairman
Corinne Pierog, expressed
appreciation for the invaluable contributions of manufacturers to
the local economy, emphasizing, "Our manufacturers are one of the
essential cornerstones of Kane
County. We are delighted to commemorate their achievements
and foster their ongoing expansion."
The awardees include:
Aeromotive Services
Aurora Defense Group
HARTING of North America
JN Machinery
Richards Wilcox
UCAL Systems
WPA Works
Dave Boulay, PhD., President of
IMEC, emphasizes the importance of empowering manufacturers,
saying, "At IMEC, we're passionate about supporting companies like
these who drive innovation and economic growth. We're proud to
partner with Kane County in this
endeavor."
Among the recipients, companies like Aeromotive Services Inc and
WPA Works LLC are poised to leverage this program to drive
meaningful improvements and lead the way for manufacturing
excellence in Kane County.
"Thanks to Kane County's grant,
we've turbocharged our lean manufacturing processes, igniting
growth not just for us, but for our suppliers and the broader
community," shared Carl Dumele, of
Aeromotive Services Inc. "Their commitment to local manufacturing
and community prosperity shines through, giving us the opportunity
to strengthen our workforce, deepen employee camaraderie, and
bolster our communication channels. It's a win-win for us all."
Patryk Barszczuk, Vice President of Business Development at WPA
Works LLC, emphasizes the significance of partnering with the Kane
County Manufacturing Grant program and IMEC. He highlights the
appeal of local collaboration and outside expertise in driving
productivity and growth. Barszczuk underscores the grant's
importance for Kane County's
economy, foreseeing job creation and cost-effective manufacturing
solutions. With IMEC's guidance, WPA Works LLC aims to expand
efficiently and innovate, envisioning substantial growth by 2027.
Their plan includes tripling machining centers and quadrupling
space, benefiting both the company and the local community.
The celebration will continue as the grant recipients convene
for peer learning sessions, marking a pivotal moment in fostering
collaboration and sharing best practices. These sessions are
strategically designed to integrate coordinated operations and
workforce actions, ultimately raising manufacturing standards
across the board.
This grant is available through funds from the American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA includes a variety of economic
incentives to address COVID-19 impacts. *Project awards will be
prioritized with the following metrics in mind: Location, Business
Viability, Economic Potential, Leveraged Business
Investments.
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SOURCE IMEC