IQS NEWSROOM

Iowa is a state that is known for their success in the food processing industry. This state is on the forefront of designing the latest innovations in the manufacturing food packaging solutions and a wide variety of other agriculture machinery. However Iowa is not limited to just the agriculture industry. Iowa is a leading state that develops construction equipment, electrical equipment and heavy duty machinery for various different industries. The economy in Iowa is expanding and there have been recent opportunities that will allow the solar and wind energy sectors to continue to grow. The state of Iowa handles issues such as renewable energy very serious and there are a number of organizations in Iowa that are working hard to make this state a national leader in the renewable energy industry.

Maine is an example of a state that understands the importance of researching and investing in products that are not only economical beneficial but also have a positive impact on the environment. In recent news there was an announcement that the Environmental Health Strategy Center in Maine has received a grant of $100,000 to assist with develop the latest advances in bio-based manufacturing. The ESHC has led the nation in developing solutions for protecting humans from a variety of harmful chemicals including: arsenic, lead, mercury and more. This organization not only strives for creating safe options to improve health but also to boost economic develop through designing alternative solutions.

Plans are developing for the new Illinois manufacturing hub formally known as the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute. This innovation center will be located at Goose Island and it is estimated to cost $320 million. The White House officially announced that $70 million of federal money will be used to help create the DMDI while the remaining $250 million will be funded through state and private organizations. There are 41 companies, 23 universities/labs, and 9 other organizations partnered together to make the DMDI Institute a success. This innovation hub is just one of many new institutions that have been announced across the United States however as the name states this center will specialize in technologies regarding digital innovations and design techniques.

There have been some very interesting reports coming from companies, organizations and government officials in the state of Illinois. One very exciting report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows that the unemployment rate for Illinois has drop to 7.9 percent. Not only is this a decrease from previous months but this marks the lowest rate since 2008. The Illinois economy is making a very successful rebound and there have been a number of initiatives to ensure the fiscal stability of this state.

The state of Ohio has made some serious efforts to improve their manufacturing sectors, from investing into the new American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute to the creating the Center for Design and Manufacturer Excellence at Ohio State University. Ohio is on the right track for not only creating economic opportunities in the short run but also for sustaining long term jobs that will encourage many companies to choose products that are manufactured right here in the United States.

South Carolina has a long history of automotive manufacturing and this state has been influenced by the positive increases in the growth of domestic manufacturing. According to a recent report April has shown improved manufacturing for a third straight month. The Institute for Supply Management said national factory activity rose from 53.7 in March to 54.9 in April. There have been a number of expansions announced by major automotive manufacturers in South Carolina and it is estimated that overall manufacturing will continue to grow in the coming months. Interesting enough South Carolina is home to over 250 different automotive manufacturing facilities and there are a number of factors that contribute to South Carolina’s appeal for these automotive companies.

Local industries are on the rise in the state of Connecticut. Many manufacturers are optimistic of the growing market and there have been a number of steps taken to create a business-friendly environment for this state. According to the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut, a majority of manufacturers are predicting a positive growth in their industry and show confidence in not only increasing their sales in the future but also show interest in increase their employment levels. Major manufacturers rely on Connecticut products to supply the components for advanced industries such as aerospace. This industry offers over 40,000 statewide and Connecticut is know as the second-highest provider of aerospace and advanced manufacturing jobs per capita in the nation.

The state of New York has seen some very interesting economic fluctuation in the past few weeks. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has reported a decrease in actual new order requests for manufacturers however overall the outlook is very optimistic. According to the New York Fed the manufacturing index has fallen to 1.3 for the month of April. This is a significant drop from the index which was at 5.6 in March. Despite the index dropping the hopeful thing about the current index is any number still above the zero mark is considered an improving market. For general business the Fed has expected that the index increases to 38.2.