Manufacturing Month, October 2024

Manufacturing: “Honoring Illinois Manufacturing Legacy and Future”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is proud to officially support October as Manufacturing Month and celebrate the present and future makers across our great state. Join us and industry partners as we explore more about one of Illinois’ top industries, learning about its rich legacy and robust ecosystem. 

We are the fourth largest manufacturing state in the country, with over 14,000 companies employing over 650,000 Illinoisans. In the years ahead, this industry is on pace to grow for the future – and this month we will join the national celebration of Manufacturing Month to educate, inspire, and cultivate the next generation of makers in Illinois.

Throughout the month of October, DCEO, agency leaders and partners will be hosting a series of webinars, participating in events and visiting industry leaders and the next generation of Illinois makers.

View the 2024 Manufacturing Month Proclamation.

• View Manufacturing Month events at IMEC.org
• IMEC/IMA Bus Tour, October 4-12

Employee Training Funds for Manufacturers | Registration Required
Thursday October 17, 10:00 AM

Join DCEO's Office of Regional Economic Development and Office of Employment and Training along with Northern Illinois University to understand how to access employee training funds gears towards manufacturers.  Programs that will be covered include Incumbent Worker Training, Customized Training, On the Job Training, and Apprenticeship Programs focused on Manufacturers.

NORTH CENTRAL

Business Name: Beer Nuts Brand Snacks
Website Link: https://beernuts.com/
Location: Bloomington
Years In Business: 70+

Description: Russell Shirk started off packaging peanuts and other specialty nuts for the family restaurant/confectionary and two local liquor stores in Bloomington, Illinois. With a secret family recipe, catchy name and smart distribution, the Shirks have been selling BEER NUTS products across the land for over a half-century.  

NORTHEAST REGION

Business Name: Helakubel USA, Inc
Website Link: https://www.helukabel.us/us-en/Company/
Location: West Dundee
Years In Business: 47

Description: Founded in the United States in 1978, Helukabel USA, Inc is a family-owned major international supplier of cables, wires and cable accessories.  The company recently received the EDGE tax credit and will be making a $25 million capital investment creating 30 new jobs and retaining 48 jobs.

SOUTHERN REGION

Business Name: Prysmian (General Cable Industries Inc.)
Website Link: https://na.prysmian.com
Location: DuQuoin
Years In Business: 50+ years 

Description: Prysmian, an Italian-owned company, produces energy and telecom cable. The company recently received a REV incentive for $63,800,000 capital investment creating 80 jobs and retaining 225.

SOUTHWEST REGION

Business Name: Creative Blow Mold/Unitech Inc
Website Link: www.creativeblowmold.com
Location: Troy
Years In Business: 25

Description:  Creative Blow Mold/Unitech Inc is a precision machining company for the plastics and Department of Defense industries. The company recently moved to Troy from Missouri and received an EDGE incentive for $2,612,209 capital investment creating 19 jobs.