Innovative Hub Will Keep Illinois at the Cutting Edge of Advanced Manufacturing, Create 21st Century Jobs
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–December 13, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by officials from the University of Illinois and UI LABS to launch the Illinois Manufacturing Lab (IML) – a key initiative to increase the competitiveness, productivity and profitability of Illinois’ manufacturers. Proposed by the Governor in his 2013 State of the State address, the IML is launching its initial efforts today with pilot projects at ten Illinois companies to identify and solve advanced manufacturing challenges. Today’s announcement is a part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create 21st century jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward.
“The Illinois Manufacturing Lab is going to help our state remain a national leader in making quality products and creating good jobs,” Governor Quinn said. “The IML will be a marquee attraction for companies around the globe to come to Illinois so they can work with cutting-edge techniques and technologies to drive our economy forward.”
The IML brings an innovative, public-private approach to implementing advanced manufacturing technology applications for Illinois small and medium-sized manufacturers. It brings together top-flight research capabilities, technical resources and commercialization expertise, and will serve as a hub for companies to learn the world’s most sophisticated tools and software.
“IML’s pilot projects in advanced manufacturing technology are an important component of UI LABS’ broader efforts to spur economic development and job creation in Chicago, the state of Illinois and the Midwest region,” UI LABS Board Chairman Warren Holtsberg said. “By tackling big problems with leading partners in academia, industry and government, UI LABS will prove to be an engine for prosperity and innovation.”
“Public-private partnerships like the IML are the key to progress and economic growth, forging collaboration that harnesses the University’s research power to help solve real-world challenges,” University of Illinois President Robert Easter said. “I’m grateful to Governor Quinn for launching this initiative, and the University of Illinois is proud to be a partner.”
The ten pilot projects announced today are the IML’s initial venture. They are focused on increasing the productivity of manufacturers’ design, testing, and/or manufacturing process by using modeling, simulation and high-performance computing (HPC). The projects fall in three areas, CFD (computational fluid dynamics), FEA (finite element analysis) and virtual machining. Gold Eagle Co., an IML partner which has been an industry pioneer in the production and distribution of aftermarket fluids and additives for more than 80 years, hosted today’s event.
“Gold Eagle is thrilled to host the IML’s launch event today,” Gold Eagle Company President and CEO Marc Blackman said. “The resources and expertise of IML will help Gold Eagle increase productivity, in turn strengthening our competitive advantage and spurring new opportunities for growth in the state of Illinois.”
The following Illinois manufacturing companies are partnering with the IML on the initial pilot projects:
Gold Eagle – Bottle Drop Testing FEA Modeling and Simulation
SWD, Inc. – Dip Spin Coating Process MultiPhysics (FEA and CFD) Modeling and Simulation
Transco Products – Metal Reflective Insulation Testing CFD Modeling and Simulation
Raynor Manufacturing – Garage Door Testing FEA Modeling and Simulation
Premier Fabrication – Dust Opacity and Control CFD Modeling and Simulation
Excel Foundry – Bronze Stress Relief FEA Modeling and Simulation
Tek Pak – Aluminum Virtual Machining Modeling and Simulation
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions – Composite Material Virtual Machining Modeling and Simulation
Morgan Bronze Products – Bronze Virtual Machining Modeling and Simulation
Numerical Precision – Titanium Virtual Machining Modeling and Simulation
The IML is supported by the State of Illinois and the University of Illinois. Leveraging the UI LABS platform, the IML works closely with a statewide network of partners, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) and National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois.
Source: illinois.gov
