"Made in Elk Grove" Connects Manufacturing Community

With more than 3,600 companies on roughly 62 million square feet of space, Elk Grove Village Business Park (located just outside of Chicago, Illinois) has the unique opportunity to showcase local and regional companies all under one roof during the “Made in Elk Grove Manufacturing & Technology Expo.” The event, which took place October 21, focused on giving exhibitors and attendees a chance to network and see the diverse mix of manufacturing in the area—everything from plastics and electronics to precision machining and industrial service providers.  

With more than 100 exhibitors and nearly 1,000 registered attendees, “Made in Elk Grove” had the look and feel of a true community trade show. It also featured an exhibitor luncheon during which three local businesses were presented awards:

• The Innovation Award went to Crafts Technology, a manufacturer of tooling and components designed to withstand severe abrasion and corrosion with the use of ultra-hard materials. Crafts has developed a new material technology to help injection molders reduce a part of the production cycle by 40 percent or more.
• The Sustainability Award went to Lawrence Foods, a broad line manufacturer of bakery products and customized ingredient solutions. The company has implemented a sustainability plan over the past three years, improving manufacturing efficiencies while reducing waste. It has reduced electricity use by 25 percent, natural gas use by 10 to 37 percent and water use by 450,000 gallons. It also recycles more than 400 tons a year.
• The Community Support Award went to E-M Metal Fabricator, a provider of contract precision manufacturing services and prototyping-to-production services. President Gladys Moscoso is active in her local church, provides financial assistance to local religious charitable organizations and her company donates funds to a medical organization assisting those in need overseas.

A small, concise event like “Made in Elk Grove” is great exposure for manufacturing companies that might get lost in the trade show halls of a national event. It also gives Elk Grove Village the opportunity to brag about its diverse manufacturing capabilities as well as the transportation/shipping advantages that come from its location just outside Chicago.

Jim Carr, president/owner of Carr Machine and Tool Inc. and a member of the 2014 Expo Planning Committee, has participated in Made in Elk Grove for the last two years. “My objective in exhibiting was the same this year as last. My plan was to build brand awareness and network with other companies in the region. I was happy with the results and left with some great leads.”