Illinois Manufacturers' Association

Have big news about growth in your company, a milestone anniversary, celebration, or an exciting new initiative in the works? Share your news and/or press release with us for possible inclusion in an upcoming edition of The Illinois Manufacturer Magazine Members in the News column (asherwood@ima-net.org)!

We’re excited to share IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler was again honored with the inclusion by Crain's Chicago Business' "Who's Who ” recognizing nearly 500 influential leaders who are shaping Chicago’s business, civics and cultural spaces! https://lnkd.in/gSRyMDzt

The IMA’s 2025 Annual Luncheon is just three weeks away. Join us for a look back at our 2023 event as we celebrated our 130th anniversary, and prepare for an exciting event ahead on December 12! Register to join us now! https://lnkd.in/gK7i64b5

The IMA is thrilled to announce an exciting update to the special keynote address for our upcoming 132nd Annual Luncheon event on Friday, December 12 to include a powerhouse panel featuring a panel of incredible leading manufacturing executives:   🔷 Ben Grimes, Corporate VP of US Manufacturing & Mobility, Microsoft 🔷 Marshall Lancaster, Chief Information Officer, Medline Industries, LP 🔷 Jane Barr Mowad, President – Americas, Rockwell Automation 🔷 David Foulkes, CEO, Brunswick Corporation   Don’t miss your chance to join us for our premier event that sells out every year. Sponsorship opportunities are still available #IMA2025AM https://lnkd.in/gK7i64b5

We were proud to have IMA's Donovan Griffith participate on a panel hosted by our partners at National Association of Manufacturers - NAM earlier this week on the "Make America Healthy Again (MAHA)" initiatives. This conversation is especially important for Illinois, where food manufacturing is the single largest segment of our state’s manufacturing economy. Thank you to NAM and fellow panelists from the Consumer Brands Association, the WEST VIRGINIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, and others for a valuable discussion on what these policies could mean for employers, consumers and our manufacturing competitiveness.

The IMA had the pleasure of visiting the team at Black Bros. Co. in Mendota last month where he presented the team with IMA’s Centennial Manufacturer recognition! Founded in 1882 and now in its sixth generation of family ownership, Black Bros. has earned a global reputation for superior laminating and roll coating equipment. Serving industries from woodworking and furniture to transportation, metal, packaging, and consumer products, the company is known for world-class machinery, impeccable quality, and innovative engineering. For more than 140 years, the Black family has combined technical expertise and customer-focused solutions to deliver durable, high-performance equipment for clients around the world. Congratulations to the entire Black Bros. team on this remarkable milestone! https://lnkd.in/gPxVb_xG [Pictured: Heath Davis (IT Manager), Clay Coss (Marketing Manager), Megan Kneebone (CFO), Frank Bromenschenkel (Outside Sales), Erik Weber (Outside Sales), Shelby Edgcomb Weide (Bookkeeper), and Mari O'Donnell (Sales Support)]

Help spotlight the innovators shaping the future of manufacturing and hardtech! The Fourth Revolution Awards, hosted by our partners at mHUB, honor the manufacturers, startups, and organizations leading Industry 4.0 across the Midwest. This prestigious recognition celebrates those driving progress and innovation in our industry. Don’t miss your chance to nominate a trailblazer—nominations close Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Learn more and submit your nominations today: https://4revawards.com/

Join us for our third Annual Luncheon breakout session on Thursday, December 11, as we explore the future of energy! Illinois needs an “all-of-the-above” approach for energy to ensure that manufacturers have access to safe, reliable and affordable energy. This panel will provide a macro-level view of the energy landscape while discussing federal and state policies and their impact on energy. Register to join us now! https://ow.ly/8O2S50Xl00c

IMA’s Randy Prince recently had the pleasure of presenting Office Manager Janet Buttry, Director of Operations Brian Heitmann, and the team at Wieland Rolled Products North America LLC in Alton, IL, with the IMA’s Centennial Manufacturer recognition! Founded in 1892, Wieland has been a cornerstone of American manufacturing for over 130 years, producing high-quality copper and copper alloy solutions for industries ranging from automotive and defense to energy infrastructure. The company combines generations of expertise with innovative technologies to deliver reliable, sustainable, and high-quality products. Wieland is currently investing $500 million in a major modernization project at its Alton facility. The initiative includes a state-of-the-art hot rolling mill, enhanced operational efficiency, and expanded production capacity, positioning the company for future growth while maintaining its legacy as a vital employer and economic contributor to the East Alton community. This project, supported by public-private partnerships and REV funding, reflects Wieland’s commitment to technological advancement, sustainability, and serving North American customers with world-class products. Congratulations to the entire Wieland team on this remarkable milestone! https://lnkd.in/gqz99UR8

IMA recently had the pleasure of presenting Lyn Belton, HR Manager, and the team at ASF-Keystone, Inc. Inc. in Granite City, IL, with the IMA’s Centennial Manufacturer recognition! ASF Keystone specializes in manufacturing a wide range of rail system components, including bogies, brake systems, end-of-car systems, and freight car components. Known for proven performance and reliability, the company has maintained its position as an industry leader across multiple categories of rail infrastructure. In addition, ASF Keystone leverages advanced digital solutions through its Amsted Digital Solutions platform, enhancing freight rail visibility, optimizing maintenance, and supporting the evolving needs of the rail industry. Congratulations to the entire ASF Keystone team on this remarkable milestone! https://lnkd.in/grk-9bGb