MANUFACTURING WEEK

For the week of September 30th to October 4th, West Central Development Council/LWIA 21 would like to highlight careers in manufacturing, and educational institutions, who support local manufacturing efforts around Greene, Macoupin, Montgomery, Morgan, Scott, and Shelby Counties.

International Filter Manufacturing Corp. - Litchfield, Illinois

Established in 1987, in Litchfield IL, International Filter Manufacturing Corporation (IFM) manufactures: heavy-duty air engine filters for diesel trucks, farming equipment, warehousing equipment, dust collection systems, earthmoving equipment, and a surgical style 4-layer face mask (ASTM Level III tested). IFM distributes: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filters, Industrial Supplies, Safety Supplies & Safety Equipment. IFM performs the following services: filter maintenance management, filter cleaning, filter media replacement (obsolete or legacy products), and product testing.

Product Family Includes the following:

Disposable Air Filters Air Intake Filters
Cartridge Filters Pad Filters
Fiberglass Air Filters Pleated Air Filters
Dry Filters
ASTM Level III Tested PPE
Oil Filters Fuel Filters HEPA Filters
Safety Protection: Eye, Head, Hand, Foot
Industrial Supplies: Electrical Hardware, Material Handling, Janitorial/Cleaning, Plumbing

Alongside IFM’s own product line, the company offers OEM brands like Donaldson, Luberfiner, Champion, Wix, and A.C. Delco for a comprehensive range of filters. IFM is also a trusted distributor-partner with leading HVAC filtration manufacturers like American Air Filter (AAF), Koch, Purolator, and Tri-Dim.

For more information on International Filter Manufacturing Corporation, please visit: www.ifm-corp.com

Ronk Electrical Industries - Nokomis, Illinois

LWIA 21 - Business Leadership Award for 2024

Ronk Electrical Industries, located in Nokomis, Illinois, was referred to West Central Development Council/LWIA 21 in August 2023 by the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC). Founded originally in 1950 as Systems Analyzer Corporation, the company designs, manufactures and assembles various types of electrical equipment. With 41 employees, the company continues to be family owned and is led by the company’s president, Caitlin Simhauser.

As one of the largest employers in the Nokomis area, Ronk was looking to not only remain competitive in the global market but was looking to grow and expand its processes, products, services and workforce. Through discussions with IMEC and its subcontractor, Crea8tive Technology & Design, a detailed plan was developed to implement a new Epicor Kinetic ERP program. To be successful, this would require entirely new and improved business processes, systems and procedures along with a refresh of data and data management parameters.

Next, Ronk and its design partners reached out to West Central Development Council/LWIA 21 to discuss the training and the possibility of much needed funding assistance. Utilizing the Supplemental Funding Grant dollars made available through DCEO and the Governor’s General Revenue Funds, West Central Development Council and its boards approved over $96,000 in vital Incumbent Worker Training reimbursements to Ronk.

“Receiving the Supplemental Grant funding has allowed us to improve our business operations and efficiencies. Training our team to use our new ERP system enables better decision making, improved practices and ultimately provides superior products and services to our customers throughout the state and beyond,” says President Caitlin Simhauser.

With training successfully completed in June 2024, Ronk Electrical Industries now looks to grow and improve on its new business model and is already working with West Central Development Council on a new UL Solutions electrical training proposal for many of its employees. They are committed to being a strong partner in workforce and economic development while also being a community leader for Nokomis and central Illinois.

Congratulations to Ronk Electrical Industries on its success!

For more information on ROK Electrical Industries, please visit: www.ronkelectrical.com

Rutland Products - Jacksonville, Illinois

Founded in 1883, Rutland is a leading manufacturer of products for fireplace, chimney, and stove maintenance. Over the last 130+ years, Rutland has grown from a small family-owned business in Rutland, Vermont to an industry leading manufacturer. Our headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in Jacksonville, Illinois. In addition to our website, Rutland products are available nationwide at leading retailers including Ace Hardware, Amazon, Home Depot, Tractor Supply Company, along with locally-owned stove, grill, and hearth stores!

Rutland offers a wide range of quality products to maintain, clean, and repair wood or gas stoves, fireplaces, hearths, and chimneys. We serve the needs of homeowners and professionals alike. Our product line includes fire starters, heat resistant cements and mortars, creosote and soot removers, high temperature silicone sealants, stove door replacement gaskets, chimney cleaning rods and brushes, and more!

For more information on Rutland Products, please visit: www.rutland.com

South-Central Illinois Training and Innovation Center (SCI Center)

The South-Central Illinois Training and Innovation Center (SCI Center) offers students in Montgomery and Macoupin County an abundant amount of resources which will allow them to prosper in the workforce. Students completing programs at this facility have access to a head start and even employment in multiple careers.

The SCI Center offers a variety of programs which include the following:

Automotive Technology
Construction Craft Preparation Program with Full Apprenticeship Program through the Illinois Laborers and Contractors Union
Education/Teacher Pathway
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
IT Help Desk Jump Start
Welding
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Located in Litchfield, the SCI Center was created with the culmination of many years of work and collaboration between nine school districts in Montgomery and Macoupin Counties.

Partner Districts

Bunker Hill CUSD #8, Carlinville CUSD #1, Gillespie CUSD #7, Hillsboro CUSD #3, and Litchfield CUSD #12

Partner Schools

Mt. Olive CUSD #5, Nokomis CUSD #22, Panhandle CUSD #2, and Staunton CUSD #6

Furthermore, this center has partnered with Lincoln Land Community College and Lewis & Clark Community College! The facility is located in the Litchfield Industrial Park right next to the campus of Lincoln Land Community College.

The SCI Center has shown that it’s important that we invest into our next generation and provide them with innovative technologies that will lead them into a successful future.

Newsletter

SCI Center Newsletter – September 2024

For more information on The SCI Center, please visit: www.lcusd12.org/o/scicenter

Westermeyer Industries, Inc. - Bluffs, Illinois

From the very beginning, Gary Westermeyer wanted to build a company with customer service at the forefront, doing anything and everything to meet the needs of the customer. In 2001, he set out on his own after spending many years in the manufacturing sector of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, founding Westermeyer Industries in the garage of his rural home.

Westermeyer Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures, and distributes high-quality commercial components and accessories for the air conditioning and refrigeration industries. While some companies want to work with you just to get the sale, our focus is to get to know our customers so that we can work together to develop unique solutions that add value to your commercial refrigeration system. Westermeyer strives to be your business partner, not just your supplier.

Today, Westermeyer products can be found in refrigerant systems around the world. The operation has grown from its humble beginnings to occupy more than 150,000 square feet at our plant in Bluffs, Illinois.

For more information on Westermeyer Industries, Inc., please visit: www.westermeyerind.com

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