Makers on the Move bus tour visits ALM Positioners in Rock Island

In the Quad Cities area, manufacturing accounts for about 19% or $6.4 billion of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), nearly twice the national average. About 35,000 employees work for manufacturers in our region, also surpassing the national average by 75% for regions of our size.

That strong manufacturing presence made the Quad Cities a fitting final stop for the Makers on the Move bus tour. Manufacturing leaders from across Illinois visited Rock Island on Friday, as the bus rolled in for a stop at ALM Positioners to celebrate Manufacturing Month. It was the fourth annual tour sponsored by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), wrapping up a 7-day trek to manufacturing facilities, colleges and community centers throughout Illinois.

“Manufacturing is going to be very different in the next 8-10 years,” said David Boulay, PhD, President of IMEC. “Supply chains are shifting, automation and AI is changing the game of what manufacturing will look like. That for us is really not a challenge in Illinois – it’s an opportunity to grow, to inspire the careers in the next generation of makers.”

ALM Positioners is playing a role in that shift. The company has invested more than $350K in new technology and automation over the past two years, and continues to provide high-paying, high-skill jobs in the region.

Known for advanced positioning equipment used in industrial manufacturing, ALM has made significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence into its product line, including the launch of VIKI OS—a voice-activated AI operating system that streamlines machine operation and improves productivity on the manufacturing floor.  

“We are so thrilled to have IMA and IMEC visit ALM Positioners in the Quad Cities today," said Chris Caves, Vice President, Business Retention, Expansion and Workforce for Grow Quad Cities. "This technology integrator is a leader in pursuing and promoting technologies that will elevate our community as a highly innovative manufacturing region.”  

Pat Pollock, President & CEO of ALM says he's proud to say the Rock Island company is helping U.S. manufacturers compete globally. “Our machines help our customers work better, faster, safer and smarter. Our impact goes far beyond the shop floor, too. Manufacturing careers help elevate families and strengthen communities, and that’s why we take such pride in our work."

According to the IMA website, nationally, there are 437,000 open jobs in the manufacturing industry, including tens of thousands of available jobs in Illinois. The IMA and IMEC are dedicated to working with employers, educators and lawmakers to enact policies that help attract and retain a skilled workforce. These efforts are vital to ensuring Illinois can continue to experience strong economic growth in the coming decade, as more baby boomers are expected to exit the job market and companies seek to fill the resulting experience gaps.

“During this tour, we've talked a lot about the manufacturers, but we also want to talk about the workforce that's at the heart of manufacturing, that produce the goods that are shipped across the state, across the country and across the world,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We've been pleased to see hundreds of students come out to explore careers and be a part of the modern manufacturing workforce."

More information about the statewide tour is available at makersonthemove.org.