Discover some of the latest product launches and innovations happening within our region’s manufacturing companies.
Rockford Systems, a Rockford-based specialist in machine safeguarding solutions for industrial machinery, has announced it plans to relocate to a new facility near Chicago Rockford International Airport that accommodates expanded training, manufacturing and customer support while preparing for future growth. The move is expected to be completed in January 2019. Meanwhile, the firm has also won the National Safety Council’s 2018 Community Advancement Award for the firm’s support of community initiatives in manufacturing.
Ipsen, a Cherry Valley, Ill., specialist in heat-treating systems, shipped furnaces to seven countries, including the U.S., during the third quarter, and it received 16 new vacuum furnace orders during October. New orders included seven custom units, a vacuum aluminum brazing furnace and nine Ipsen TITAN vacuum furnaces – a one-month company record.
Midwest Aero Support, a Machesney Park, Ill., specialist in repair and electronic manufacturing services for commercial aircraft, has received certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, a credential that now allows it to work with the Asian nation’s airlines.
The FitsBrush toothbrush won the first-place prize in this year’s NIU EIGERlab Fast Pitch competition, where local entrepreneurs pitch their startup businesses to potential investors. Developed by local dental hygienist Rachel Lolling, the FitsBrush is designed to improve the effectiveness of tooth brushing. Nearly 40 presenters took home $7,500 in cash prizes for businesses including a custom footwear producer, a navigational signage designer and a distillery.
The City of Rochelle and Rochelle Municipal Utilities have completed the city’s first radium removal plant, a $2.7 million effort designed to remove radium during the water treatment process. The project was financed through a low-interest IEPA loan program that offers forgiveness on $500,000. Meanwhile, Standard & Poor’s has confirmed the City of Rochelle’s A+ bond rating.
ABC Supply Co., the Beloit-based wholesale distributor of building materials, has acquired DRI Supply Co., a California and Nevada specialist in drywall, roofing and insulation products, as well as CSC Home & Hardware, a West Virginia specialist in drywall, roofing and hardware. ABC Supply has also opened new branches in Waxahachie, Texas; Alpharetta, Ga.; and Clarksville, Tenn. The firm now maintains more than 700 locations nationwide.
Bergstrom Inc., a Rockford-based specialist in climate control systems for commercial vehicles, designed the HVAC system used in the Ford F-MAX, named the 2019 International Truck of the Year. The recognition is given by a panel of 23 commercial vehicle journalists across Europe. Bergstrom’s HVAC unit inside the F-MAX increases performance by 15 percent and includes nine air distribution modes.
Regal Beloit Corp., a Beloit-based manufacturer of electric motors, electrical motion controls, power generation and power transmission components, has received the 2019 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition Innovation Award for its Genteq Ensite motor, an electronically commutated motor for furnaces that complies with federal Fan Energy Ratings due to begin next summer. Meanwhile, the firm has expanded the power range of its UlteMAX axial integral horsepower motor, which now ranges up to 15 horsepower and is about half the weight of traditional induction motors.
J.L. Clark, a Rockford-based specialist in product packaging, has increased its capacity by more than 30 percent this year with the addition of eight new presses, the company reports. The new machines promise to improve efficiency in line changes and build capacity in renewable and bio-based plastics. The company now maintains 25 press machines in its Rockford facility.