Today World Business Chicago (WBC) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC Illinois)announce a new strategic partnership aimed at aligning strategies and resources to strengthen Chicago’s manufacturing sector and drive inclusive economic growth. As global trends reshape the manufacturing landscape—from evolving technology and shifting supply chains to workforce dynamics—this partnership is focused on preparing Chicago for the future of manufacturing while leveraging the city’s deep industrial roots.
This collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Chicago, recently ranked as the #1 region for Logistics Facility Projects by Site Selection Magazine. Chicago’s world-class logistics infrastructure serves as a critical anchor for local manufacturers, enabling efficient production and delivery across national and global markets.
The partnership will focus on key initiatives designed to elevate Chicago’s position as a global manufacturing hub. This includes the third annual Manufacturing Month Series in October, participation in tours of local manufacturers, speak at the upcoming DPD-WBC Manufacturing Award Ceremony, and serving as co-host of manufacturing roundtables to create a platform for industry leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on leadership, workforce development, and the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
“Chicago has been famously called ‘The City that Works,’ and for good reason,” said David Boulay, President of IMEC. “With over 300,000 manufacturing-related jobs—the most in the nation—our region has built a workforce that drives innovation. This partnership with World Business Chicago allows us to support small and mid-sized manufacturers while preparing them for the next wave of technological advancements.”
Kyle T. Schulz, Chief Growth Officer at World Business Chicago, emphasized, “As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, we remain committed to workforce development, embracing new technologies, and ensuring that the next generation of manufacturing is driven by innovation and inclusivity. Chicago’s logistics infrastructure, recently ranked #1 again, provides a strong backbone for manufacturers to thrive in both production and distribution.”
As manufacturers continue navigating disruption and uncertainty in 2024 and 2025, a key focus will be leveraging data effectively across their operations. Companies that embrace digital strategies will unlock greater value, positioning themselves to weather market turbulence. While the importance of data isn’t new, the emphasis on digital transformation remains critical. By evaluating processes and investing in essential digital capabilities, manufacturers can drive efficiency and long-term profitability, ensuring they stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Reasons Why Chicago is a Leading Hub for U.S. Manufacturing:
- Chicago is home to 300,000 manufacturing-related occupations, making it the top region in the nation.
- The city gained 1,160 manufacturing-related jobs from 2022 to 2023, further cementing its leadership.
- 51% of manufacturers’ inputs are purchased locally, strengthening the region’s supply chain resilience.
As part of the partnership, WBC’s Research Center and IMEC will jointly develop bi-monthly infographics analyzing subsectors of the Chicagoland manufacturing economy, and they will release a co-branded digital newsletter to engage a network of over 250 manufacturers, agencies, and partners with insights and updates.
Read the WBC’s Research Center‘s Manufacturing Industry Profile here.
