The Chicago Manufacturing Center (CMC) is joining with the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC) in a study to assess America’s progress in adopting manufacturing strategies necessary to win in the global economy. We are calling on our partners in the association, workforce development and policy community to help get the word out to manufacturers and ensure a high response rate in Illinois.

The Next Generation Manufacturing Study is the first step in a long-term effort by ASMC members, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers, to help American manufacturers weather today’s recession and maintain manufacturing leadership in the next decade. MEP centers in 17 states—which collectively are home to more than 150,000 manufacturers employing more than 5 million workers—are participating in the study. CMC and IMEC (our sister center, based in Peoria) are spearheading the effort in Illinois.

Next Generation Manufacturing refers to a framework of six forward-looking strategies that are driving manufacturing growth and profitability in the 21st century. The strategies are customer-focused innovation, systemic continuous improvement, advanced talent management, global engagement, extended enterprise management and sustainable products and processes. The study includes a 61-question web-based survey that asks manufacturers to rank their progress on these key strategies. Illinois manufacturers can access the survey at http://www.ngmstudy-illinois.com. The survey was pilot-tested in Wisconsin, where the results confirmed a strong correlation between next generation strategies and readiness to compete globally.

“What we see here in the U.S. and around the globe is that the adoption of these strategies aligns with better business performance,” said John Brandt, CEO of the Ohio-based Manufacturing Performance Institute (MPI), a global research firm that is conducting the study.

The study results will provide a wealth of valuable data for manufacturers, business leaders and state and national policymakers. Manufacturers can see how they rank against world-class performance benchmarks and target improvements where needed. Participating manufacturers will receive a confidential customized benchmarking report comparing their progress to the overall results. We will receive statewide results for Illinois. CMC and IMEC have set a goal of a 3% response rate for Illinois. Help us exceed the goal!

How you can help: Please circulate this information to your members, clients and colleagues. The survey is open until March 15. Attached is a sample message to manufacturers that you can adapt for your use. Be sure to include the web link to the Illinois survey. 

 View Sample Report