Manufacturing Hub excited to connect QC manufacturers

The Quad Cities has long been one of the nation’s most valued manufacturing centers, and the Chamber’s Manufacturing Hub is bringing local manufacturers together to solve problems that will enable the region to continue to be a manufacturing powerhouse in the future.

Chamber VP of Business & Economic Growth Chris Caves recently appeared on KWQC’s INSIGHT to discuss the Manufacturing Hub, QC manufacturing industry, the unique skills of our local labor force and the future industry opportunities for the QC with local manufacturing leaders from Inphlo, Oertel Metal Works, Sandstrom Products and Voss Pattern.

With huge international manufacturers like John Deere and the Rock Island Arsenal often coming to mind as QC manufacturing companies, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the region is home to over 100 manufacturers, each with their own unique capabilities. “We take it for granted that we’re the home to John Deere Global Headquarters and five other major manufacturing facilities here in the region, and also so many small and medium sized manufacturers that make up the supply chain,” said Caves. “We have manufacturers in defense, aerospace, non-metal manufacturers and the list goes on and on.”

Ensuring that these 100+ companies have an outlet for connecting and finding innovative solutions to today’s challenges is a top Chamber priority through the Manufacturing Hub. “The Chamber’s Manufacturing Hub is a series of events designed to help local manufacturers convene for networking events,” said Caves. “We’re bringing QC manufacturers together so they can connect, strategize, identify barriers for growth and find the resources needed to take them to the next level. All of that happens very organically through our Manufacturing Hub networking events.”

The Hub is helping local manufacturers connect with one another to find ways to work smarter.  Jake Sobel, owner of Inphlo, is leading one of the local manufacturers using innovative solutions to solve problems. “Inphlo does business analytics and process automation. With artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics is going to become a much more important part of the manufacturing process.” Innovative technologies like those used by Inphlo are helping QC manufacturers stay ahead of the curve.

A diverse workforce comprised of employees using creative solutions to overcome obstacles is a trademark of QC manufacturers. “When you’re not running a production line, there’s a daily creative burn that you need to have. Our team is amazing about how they look at things on a job-by-job basis. There’s a never-ending need to take something and make it a whole lot better,” said Voss Pattern President Will Holt. Oertel Metal Works Vice President Bryan Krzyaniak shared a similar sentiment about his team, “It’s neat to see the guys on the floor take their creative energy to use a drawing that might be partial sketch and make it into something amazing.”

The Manufacturing Hub is harnessing the creative and innovative energies of QC manufacturers to build a stronger regional economy through the power of connecting. “There’s lots of manufacturing here, and there’s a vast array of things being accomplished. The more networking we do, the more opportunities there are for the Quad Cities to grow,” said Krzyaniak.

For manufacturers looking to expand their footprint in the QC region, the Manufacturing Hub might just be the resource they’ve been looking for to solve challenges. “I have a network now of a lot of people I’ve met through the Chamber who we use as suppliers, and we’re suppliers to some that we’ve met through the Chamber. It creates a situation that truly facilitates growth, especially in the region,” said Holt.