Category: #ManufacturingMonday

FASTLANE offers resources to local manufacturers

1/30/2023

Research tells us we have a worker shortage but fails telling companies what they can do about it. Some are adjusting schedules and allowing remote working which can help. For manufacturers however, these solutions are not always an option. For a number of manufacturers, advanced manufacturing can be a solution.

One obstacle especially for small or mid-sized companies is simply having the resources to start the process. For those looking for answers, check out FASTLANE. As part of the West Central Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), FASTLANE is a great resource for those looking to take the next step for their company. Located within the University of Dayton Research Institute, the staff are experts at helping manufacturers get up to speed quickly, finding the right solution for their business. The CEP is proud of their continued partnership with FASTLANE. They have been a large supporter of the Manufacturing HR council, helping our local manufacturers with work force development. Check them out at https://fastlane-mep.org/.

KTH: A manufacturer of continued growth

1/24/2023

KTH Parts Industries Production Floor. Photo from KTH Parts Industries

The CEP recently had the privilege of visiting one of our largest manufacturers, KTH industries. Over the several decades they have been in Champaign County, KTH has gone through many expansions. Now at over a million square feet, KTH remains a top employer for our area. They take pride in promoting from within the company. With management that started their career on the production line, you get a sense of family. They also have education opportunities, both on site and off. We spoke to an associate who is currently taking college classes, paid for by KTH. KTH also offers a great benefits package to employees. Speaking to the leadership, they have a focus to grow and diversify as a company, which will help them to remain a stable employer for decades to come. CEP is grateful for the partnership we continue to have with KTH.

Champaign County Career Fair 2023

1/9/2023

Happy New Year! Are you looking for a new career? Are you a student who is thinking about your future? Or maybe you have been laid off from a previous job. Champaign County is unique in that we have several large manufacturers here. We also have several small and mid-size companies. The sky is the limit when it comes to opportunities. This February, the CEP is partnering with the BAC and the Manufacturing HR council to bring you a career expo on February 22nd from 8 AM - 6 PM. Juniors and Seniors from area schools will have the ability to explore various career opportunities in a unique, hands-on experience. Then, from 2:30-6:00 we will be hosting a traditional career fair which will be open to the public. We are so excited to bring this opportunity to the community. For more information, click on the link. Or reach out to the BAC or the CEP.

Parker TruTec: A leader in the coating industry

12/12/2022

Since 1988, Parker Trutec has provided coating and heat treatment services to a variety of industries here in Urbana. Nihon Parkerizing established the first plant in Urbana, opening a second plant shortly after in Springfield. Originally known as simply Trutec, the company went through a name change several years ago.

In 2001, the Urbana plant also went through an expansion. Today, Parker Trutec still stands as leader in the coating industry. Check them out at https://www.parkertrutec.com/.

A history of Rosewood Machine and Tool Company

12/5/2022

Rosewood Machine and Tool Company is a small but mighty manufacturer located Rosewood. Started in 1970, Rosewood Machine and Tool continues to make its mark in the manufacturing world. Duane Hellman founded the company which started as tractor repair, eventually adding machining.

Today they are a single source vendor for machining, tooling and making custom equipment. They specialize in difficult or hard to find parts. We congratulate Rosewood Machine and Tool and look forward to many more years of success.

A History of Q3

11/16/2022

Interested in the history of the Q3 building?

What started out as a railroad operating supplies manufacturer, the building at 605 Miami St has had a few owners. Johnson Manufacturing Company was the first owner. Eventually they sold the business to Q3 becoming Q3 JMC Inc. That company vacated in 2008 leaving the building empty until the city took ownership in 2017 and finally TIS purchased the property in 2020.

TSI ribbon Cutting Nov. 16

11/13/2022

November 16, 2022 will mark the end of an era for our community. True Inspection Services (TIS), who currently owns the Q3 building on Miami St. will have its official Ribbon Cutting.

Back in 2017, the City of Urbana took ownership of the property and the hard work of clean-up began. There was already a developer expressing interest in the project. TIS is an engineering and construction management firm, specializing in roadway and bridge construction. In 2020 they bought the property and began the redevelopment of the building. They, along with the CEP and the City, worked hard to make this project a reality. This Wednesday, the building will officially go from vacancy to full occupancy and we could not be prouder. Congratulations to TIS and team. Thank you for your commitment to our community.

JWP- A leader in air tank manufacturing

11/11/2022

Since 1970, Johnson Welded Products have been the leaders in air tank and reservoir manufacturing for the automotive industry. With a rich history of entrepreneurship and leadership, the Johnson family has made its mark on the community.

Beginning with Johnson Manufacturing Company in 1902, four brothers had no idea the legacy they would leave. Today, Johnson Welded supplies to some of the major names in the trucking industry.

If you have a passion for welding and want to know, more check them out at https://www.jwp-inc.com

Rittal to host Open Interviews Nov. 9

11/4/2022

For manufacturing today, it is crucial to think outside the box. That is just what Rittal is doing. Rittal, who makes industrial IT enclosures, is a global company that’s been in business since 1961. Urbana is home to their North America Central manufacturing hub. For over 40 years Rittal has called this area home and we couldn’t be happier.

Over the past year, the management team has worked hard to come up with unique solutions to finding and retaining workers.

If you know someone who is looking for a job, or if you are looking yourself, Rittal will be hosting open interviews this Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 from 9:00 am -11:00 am and 3:00 pm -6:00 pm. Start your career at Rittal today!

Local fiber at JRS

10/21/2022

Fiber is good for you. We all know this. Fiber can be found in a multitude of products. It’s amazing that you can take something that looks like paper and make products ranging from food filler to cosmetics.

JRS leads the way in innovation when it comes to ways to utilize fiber. What started in 1897 as a small mill in Germany, has now grown to over 90 locations with over 3,000 employees. One of those locations is right here in Urbana. JRS takes fiber and uses is as the source for many applications. Through a highly sophisticated process, the fiber is turned into a powder substance that can be used in a variety of ways You consume it often without even knowing. From making Taco Bell meat less greasy, to the medication you take, fiber made at JRS is a part of it. Fiber is used in medicine as a coating, in food as a healthy filler. Fiber is used as a better alternative to many synthetic materials. And the farming community uses it for a more economical feed for animals. The materials made here in Urbana is then shipped all over the country. So, the next time you go to Taco Bell, Thank JRS for your clean napkin.