Driving Success for 3,000+ Illinois Manufacturers

IMEC was established as a not-for-profit organization, receiving NIST-MEP funding. Bradley University initially served as its fiscal agent, with continued support from Illinois state funds. The IMEC network, including Bradley University, Rock Valley College, and Southern Illinois University, provides manufacturing services across Illinois, outside of the six-county Chicago area.

IMEC 501c3 status approved. NIST-MEP Cooperative Agreement novated from Bradley University to IMEC.

IMEC establishes IT/eBusiness, Lean Manufacturing, and Quality service teams.

State provides IMEC with direct funding instead of indirect funding through subrecipients. IMEC selected by NIST-ATP to direct a multi-center pilot project regarding accelerating the diffusion of advanced technologies to small manufacturers.

IMEC restructures management team, eliminating regional center directors to reduce overhead costs and integrate organizational operations. Northern Illinois University is also selected as new IMEC Subrecipient for offices in northern Illinois.

State budget deficit results in Governor’s elimination of MEP funding pools. Legislature approves special initiative funding for IMEC. State legislature action to restore funding ($1M annually) has continued since 2002.

NIST-MEP reduces IMEC funding from approximately $2.5 million to $2.1 million, despite a history of strong, well above-average center performance. IMEC begins implementation of Strategic Plan, including efforts to diversify funding beyond NIST-MEP.

IMEC implements strategies to expand involvement in national accounts and expand OEM supplier development programs.

IMEC is selected by Caterpillar to manage supplier development assistance through MEP for U.S. suppliers.

IMEC receives a cooperative agreement to provide manufacturing extension services in the Chicago metro area. University of Illinois-Chicago is selected as IMEC Subrecipient for offices in metro Chicago.

IMEC’s first president Bob Weinstein retires. David Boulay is hired to be IMEC’s new president.

After a number of years of receiving limited or no state funding, IMEC obtains a line item through DCEO for $1M.

Having formerly been named the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center, IMEC changes its name to the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center.

IMEC launches Made in Chicago, a new hub for for locally sourced ideas and manufacturing capabilities.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announces that the U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $25 million grant to IMEC.

IMEC was named the recipient of a $4 million award by the U.S. Department of Labor under the America’s Promise grant initiative.

The COVID drastically changes client needs and affects how IMEC can operate. IMEC helps manufacturers continue operating by pivoting to providing virtual services, offering weekly webinars with useful insights, creating a COVID helpline, and more. IMEC hiring and onboarding logistics also shifts and IMEC learns to interview, hire, and onboards employees remotely. IMEC also publishes its first book, Made in Illinois: A Modern Playbook for Manufacturers to Compete and Win.

IMEC celebrates its 25th anniversary and undergoes significant rebranding.

IMEC and the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) announce an historic formal strategic partnership that will strengthen and build upon Illinois’ rich manufacturing legacy and position the industry for future growth. IMEC also receives American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from two counties: McHenry County and Cook County. The funds are spread over the next three years.