Blog Posts

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.

Sutphen: Continues growth in Champaign County

10/14/2022

What began as a small business over 130 years ago, Sutphen has grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of fire apparatus in the country.

The first fire truck was built in a garage located in Columbus, Ohio. Eventually moving to Dublin Ohio; Sutphen now has several locations, two of which are in Champaign County.

Last year, Sutphen began construction on a larger facility to house both existing locations, retaining the current 120 jobs and adding 20 more. Small communities tend to appreciate small, family-owned businesses. Given that Sutphen in the oldest family-owned fire apparatus manufacturer in the country, it makes them a great fit for our community. We are grateful that Sutphen has chosen Champaign County to continue their family business.

The Hall Company: A Stellar Company

10/7/2022

We are told to reach for the stars. The Hall Company reached not only for the stars, but the moon, and landed on it!

William Hall Sr. began his business in a basement in 1961. By 1964, he was working with NASA on parts for the Gemini Missions. The Hall company continued to work with NASA and in 1969, a part from the company was on the Lunar Rover that reached the moon. Specializing in collision sensors and membrane switches, components from right here in Urbana can be found all over the world.

If you have ever been grateful for your intermittent wipers when you driving through a rain shower, the Hall Company worked with GM on that feature in 1970. Ever been to Disney? The Hall Company helped Disney when they built the monorail system. Have you ever flown? The Hall Company produces patented membrane switches for cockpits and even the food industry. Have you ever had an MRI? The Hall Company produces collision sensors to keep you safe.

We can thank Kyle Hall, President of The Hall Company, and his team for the countless ways they provide solutions for industry leaders here and across the globe. Kyle and his company are a vital part of our community.

ORBIS: A LEADER IN PLASTIC REUSABLE PACKAGING

9/30/2022

From planes and trains to the containers we put things in, we in our modern society, we can take for granted the ease of transporting almost anything. Take the plastic containers you see at the grocery store, that carry products from the truck to the shelf.

There was a time that those containers were unheard of. Then, along came ORBIS and changed how we transport goods. Before plastic, wood was used to help contain and transport goods. In 1895, what is now the Menasha corporation was the largest manufacturer of turned wooden ware. By the 1950’s, another pioneer by the name of G.B. Lewis became the first designer of plastic reusable containers. In 1974 they came together when Menasha acquired G.B Lewis and renamed LEWISSystems. In 1995 ORBIS came under the Menasha corporation and now we have Orbis Menasha. Folks who grew up here in Urbana may recognize the LEWISSystem name that we know now as Orbis. Started locally in 1980, what was once LEWISSystem, ORBIS is still the leader in plastic reusable packaging. After recently acquiring the remaining parcels of the old Q3 building, ORBIS plans to expand their facility here in Urbana. They will be hosting a Ground Breaking Ceremony tomorrow at 10:00 am, click here to learn more about this event.