The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), in partnership with the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA), launched the state’s innovative supply chain center June 21 as a way to revolutionize Illinois’s manufacturing sector.

The center was designed to cater to all of the state’s small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) as well as its original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), providing them with the tools and services needed to strengthen their supply chains with a focus on locally-sourced products and diversity within the industry.

The center offers numerous features including supplier scouting for the Buy America Act, a piece of legislation that requires all iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials used for American infrastructure projects to be produced in the United States. This tool will give manufacturers in Illinois the ability to find expert suppliers in the state and across the country.

Moreover, manufacturers will be able to access sourcing requests for potential new business, which will support the development of onshoring supply chains while helping producers create stronger connections with local communities and government agencies.

The center also has tools that enable small-sized manufacturers and businesses to bolster their supply chain capacities, improving product quality, delivery times and pricing while allowing the organizations to expand their customer base.

"We are thrilled to unveil our new supply chain solution, which we firmly believe will revolutionize the manufacturing industry in Illinois," said David Boulay, president of IMEC. "Through local sourcing and diversity initiatives, our solution empowers small manufacturers to access larger supply chains, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for local businesses. We are confident that this solution will contribute significantly to Illinois' economic development, creating jobs and boosting the state's prosperity."

Companies and individuals interested in learning more about the innovative supply chain center can attend a web-based seminar being held by IMEC at 11:30 a.m. EDT on June 28, 2023.