The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) was established in 1996 with the goal of improving the productivity and competitiveness of Illinois’ small and mid-sized manufacturing firms. A nonprofit economic development organization, IMEC is funded in part by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and through fees paid by Illinois manufacturers for IMEC’s services. Experienced staff based at 11 office locations throughout Illinois provide hands-on technical assistance and consulting services to help manufacturers innovate, contain manufacturing costs, streamline processes, and increase profits.