PEORIA, Ill.—A new initiative launched by the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), in partnership with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), is aimed at revitalizing Illinois’ manufacturing landscape by providing midsized manufacturers and OEMs in the state with “comprehensive support to strengthen their supply chains,” IMEC said in a release.

The two organizations have teamed up to establish the Illinois Manufacturing Supply Chain Center. The supply chain center, funded by the CHIPS and Science Act, promotes local sourcing and diversity within the manufacturing industry while offering essential services to address the evolving needs of manufacturers. Among the key features of the center is supplier scouting for Buy America, offering businesses access to experts to help find suppliers in Illinois and nationwide, according to the release.

Manufacturers will also be able to access sourcing requests for potential new business. By facilitating responsible and sustainable sourcing, the center supports the development of onshoring supply chains and helps manufacturers foster a stronger connection to their local communities, IMEC said in the release.

Because IMEC and IMA recognize the importance of empowering small manufacturers to compete effectively in the market, the center includes specialized services aimed at bolstering their capacity to engage in supply chains. With designated spaces for suppliers and buyers, manufacturers can seamlessly connect with domestic suppliers or take on new business opportunities. These services provide invaluable support in improving product quality, delivery times, and pricing, enabling small manufacturers to expand their customer base and thrive in the marketplace, IMEC said.

“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 the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, in a statement. “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.”

The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, the Illinois affiliate of the U.S Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, is a non-profit economic development organization dedicated to supporting growth and development in Illinois. The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, a statewide trade association dedicated to advocating, promoting, and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois, is reported to represent nearly 4,000 companies and facilities.

“Recent global disruptions have reinforced the importance of building a strong American manufacturing sector and resilient supply chains to ensure people get the products they need in a timely and efficient manner,” stated Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, in the release. “With more than 500,000 Illinoisans working in manufacturing, this new supply chain center will help revolutionize our industry, ensuring job growth and economic prosperity for decades to come.”