Discover some of the latest product launches and innovations happening within our region’s manufacturing companies.
Rockford Systems, a Rockford manufacturer of machine safeguarding solutions for industrial machinery, has formed a strategic partnership with The Master Lock Co., a Deerfield, Ill., provider of padlocks and security products. The partnership allows Rockford Systems to provide on-site custom safety consulting services and provides end-to-end solutions for The Master Lock Co.
Rock Valley College cut the ribbon on its new 110,000-square-foot Health Sciences Center. The more than $20 million facility will house the school’s health-related programs as well as the OSF Saint Anthony College of Nursing, with designated quarters on the top floor of the building.
The River Edge Tax Credit, which offers state income tax credits for those who renovate historical buildings in five Illinois cities, has been extended through 2021. The program has been in effect since 2011 and has provided economic incentives for new developments in the river districts of Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Peoria and East St. Louis.
United Technologies Corp., which maintains an aerospace division in Rockford, has announced it will acquire Rockwell Collins, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Rockwell Collins specializes in aerospace solutions including avionics, flight controls, aircraft interiors and data connectivity for commercial and military applications.
The Rockford region has the highest concentration of cold-form fastener manufacturing employment in the nation, according to data recently compiled by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. The study shows Rockford’s MSA has roughly 0.5 percent of related employment, compared with the next highest market, Indianapolis, at 0.07 percent. The study also found Rockford has as many cold-form manufacturers as Minneapolis (39) and more than Milwaukee (26), Cincinnati (20) and Indianapolis (18).
Rock Valley College has received a $25,000 donation from the Fastener Education Foundation to support the school’s new Cold Forming Training Center, a school designed for workers in fastener manufacturing. Of the first five people to graduate the 12-week program, two were already employed in the field while the other three were interviewing for jobs.
Superior Joining Technologies, a Machesney Park, Ill., specialist in precision welding, laser marking and nondestructive testing for aerospace-related customers, has become NADCAP accredited for fusion and laser welding. The company is also NADCAP certified in nondestructive testing, magnetic particle and fluorescent dye penetrant.
Southern Imperial, a Rockford-based designer and manufacturer of retail store displays, has released a multi-tiered wicker basket display system for bulk merchandise. The displays come in multiple configurations and are suited for countertop or end-of-aisle promotions.
Delegates from Rochelle and DeKalb County’s economic development offices joined Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on a recent trade mission to China and Japan. The trip included stops in Tokyo and Shanghai promoting business opportunities in Illinois.
ABC Supply Co., a Beloit-based wholesale distributor of exterior building supplies, has opened new branches in Terre Haute, Ind., Sterling, Va., and Orange, Hayward and Chico, Calif. The company now maintains 35 branches in California and 700 locations nationwide.
Comply365, a Beloit specialist in mobile software for aerospace firms, has had its Qual365 program authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for tracking flight crew training at Trans States Airlines, GoJet Airlines and Compass Airlines. Qual365 provides automated solutions for airline crew and operations compliance.
Greenlee Textron, a Rockford specialist in professional tools, has introduced the Workhorse Bending and Threading Station, a portable solution for electricians needing to bend, thread and cut conduit. The workstation has forklift pockets on three sides, eight-inch casters for maneuverability and a built-in conduit pipe support that allows for easy checking of 90-degree bends.