“Makers on the Move” bus tour celebrates QC manufacturers’ contributions to our region

The Makers on the Move bus tour, organized by Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC), came to the Quad Cities to celebrate Illinois manufacturers and their contributions to the state’s largest industry during Manufacturing Month, making stops at some of our region’s premier manufacturing sites along the way.

In the Quad Cities region, over 15,000 manufacturing employees work for hundreds of manufacturers, ranging from small and mid-sized companies to far-reaching international corporations. Manufacturing employees on the Illinois side of the region contribute to an estimated statewide GDP of $580-$611 billion annually. As one of the QC’s largest economic sectors, our manufacturing companies and employees are among the greatest drivers of economic progress and innovation in our region. 

“For many of us, our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents have all been makers. Manufacturing is in our DNA. We encourage those working in manufacturing to help us by sharing their stories, discussing career prospects and mentoring the next generation,” said David Boulay, President, IMEC.

As the tour celebrated the QC’s manufacturing history, it also called attention to the need for more individuals to pursue careers in manufacturing. In Illinois, there are currently tens of thousands of manufacturing positions open. 

Mark Denzler, IMA President and CEO, said that Makers on the Move is hoping to reshape the perception of manufacturing work to generate more excitement among talented individuals who can fill these openings. 

“One of the things we have to do is change the perception of manufacturing to attract the next generation of talent. So many people have an outdated view that manufacturing is dirty and dangerous. Manufacturers today are creating an economic engine that’s reshaping the world around us with new technologies and processes delivering things like energy independence, life-saving medicine, and more efficient automobiles. We don't just use cutting-edge technology we create it,” said Denzler.

Makers on the Move attendees saw up close some of the cutting-edge technology being created in the Quad Cities. After making a stop at The Rust Belt and Midwest Ale Works on Monday, the tour continued on Tuesday at Parr Instrument Company in Moline, which produces laboratory instruments such as chemical reactors, pressure vessels and colorimeters. Attendees took a tour of the facility and saw up close the important work of one of our region’s most unique manufacturers. Parr President Jim Nelson explained how Parr’s work is having a lasting impact not only in the Quad Cities region but across the world.

“The instruments we provide for industrial companies, universities and government research facilities around the world enable the development of everything from the clothes you wear and the car you drive to the food you eat and the medicine you need. From the energy that powers our economy to the space we explore and the country we defend, Parr has a hand in all of that. I think this is why our region’s ability to make things is so important to our economic and national security,” said Nelson.

Numerous manufacturers in the Quad Cities are accomplishing amazing feats just like Parr. The Chamber is committed to supporting the growth of our regional manufacturing sector by working with our business partners to make sure that they have access to a skilled workforce and the resources they need to address industry challenges, and also by creating a business environment that is collaborative and regionally-minded. With the tens of thousands of talented Quad Citizens working in manufacturing, there's great hope for what can be accomplished in the future.

"Manufacturing has made an impact on generations that have come before us, and it will continue to support the generations that come after us. It is the present, it was our past and it is absolutely our future,” said Chamber CEO LaDrina Wilson.

Makers on the Move brought industry advocates, educators, economic development organizations, public officials and other manufacturing stakeholders from across the state to the Quad Cities, where they were able to meet with multiple local politicians who attended the celebration, including Congressman Eric Sorenson, Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin and Illinois State Representatives Gregg Johnson and Dan Swanson. Their commitment to supporting our region's growth will be instrumental as our manufacturers continue to create widespread economic prosperity across our region.