Operational Excellence (OE) is essential for success in today’s competitive business landscape. It begins by cultivating a culture where employees are encouraged and empowered to recognize inefficiencies and suggest meaningful solutions. At the heart of OE lies a strong Continuous Improvement (CI) system—one that supports the collection, evaluation, and implementation of ideas. When CI is … Continue reading Turning Challenges into Opportunities through Operational Excellence
Month: July 2025
Manufacturer Brings CIRAS on Board for Onboarding
RCS Millwork in Ankeny crafts high-quality interiors for a variety of companies and industries, including restaurants, entertainment and athletic facilities, and hospitals. Betsy Hansen, RCS vice president, saw opportunities to improve hiring and workforce retention and reached out to the CIRAS workforce team. After assessing their current state, CIRAS proposed a project that blended HR … Continue reading Manufacturer Brings CIRAS on Board for Onboarding
Creating Safer Commercial Roofs
Slips and falls from heights are among the most common causes of construction incidents—and they consistently rank among the costliest workers’ compensation claims. Roofs are the most frequent surface involved. Most flat roofing membranes sold in the United States are thermoplastic, creating slippery and unsafe walking surfaces. Recognizing the need for research in this area, … Continue reading Creating Safer Commercial Roofs
Building Bridges to Success in Government Contracting
Taylor Construction, based in New Vienna, Iowa, has emerged as a key player in the state’s road and bridge infrastructure development. Under the leadership of Krista Thier, president of Taylor Construction, the company has grown steadily through strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to community and collaboration. Thier, who holds a background in business, joined … Continue reading Building Bridges to Success in Government Contracting
Beyond Automation: M’s Machine Invests in People to Improve Productivity
M’s Machine and Manufacturing, based in Monona, produces precision metal and plastic parts for the agricultural, asphalt, automotive, and electrical industries. Keeping up with demand during peak production had become a challenge due to labor shortages and the time-consuming process of changeovers on intricate lathes. The company has nine lathes, each averaging 75 changeovers per … Continue reading Beyond Automation: M’s Machine Invests in People to Improve Productivity
Director’s Update
CIRAS exists to make Iowa industry better. For more than 60 years, we’ve worked alongside Iowa leaders, providing perspective, expertise, and connections to help you make informed decisions and implement change. Today’s business environment can feel like walking through dense fog. You know where you’re trying to go, but the path forward isn’t always clear. … Continue reading Director’s Update
Learn, Test, Innovate: Inside the CIRAS Digital Lab Powered by Alliant Energy
3-D Printing 3D Scanning CIRAS NEWS Digital Manufacturing Lab Engineering Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Outreach
CIRAS recently expanded its Digital Manufacturing Laboratory Powered by Alliant Energy, offering Iowa companies even more opportunities to explore how Industry 4.0 technologies can address their unique challenges. At the lab, visitors are invited to discuss specific pain points, test various technologies, and determine a path forward with support from CIRAS staff. The lab showcases … Continue reading Learn, Test, Innovate: Inside the CIRAS Digital Lab Powered by Alliant Energy
Capstone Program Helps ACP Develop Affordable, Efficient Proof of Concept
The first affordable consumer microwave oven, the Amana Radarange®, became available in 1967. Today, Accelerated Cooking Products (ACP), based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, produces commercial microwave ovens under the Amana® brand and others for the professional food-service industry. That commitment to reliable, high-performance products remains unchanged. Casual dining and quick-serve restaurants worldwide depend on Amana … Continue reading Capstone Program Helps ACP Develop Affordable, Efficient Proof of Concept
American Power Systems Boosts Quality and Efficiency by Achieving ISO Certification
American Power Systems (APS), a leading supplier of DC-power solutions, partnered with CIRAS to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system. The Davenport, Iowa-based company pursued this internationally recognized standard to demonstrate its commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The rigorous certification process included on-site audits and extensive reviews of policies and … Continue reading American Power Systems Boosts Quality and Efficiency by Achieving ISO Certification
From Competitors to Collaborators: How Manufacturers Are Networking with Purpose
The Midwest Manufacturing Competimates is a networking event designed for people who may be wary of traditional networking. Held in eastern Iowa, the CIRAS-hosted one-day event turns manufacturing competitors into collaborators—and removes the awkwardness that often accompanies networking. Attendance is capped at 100, allowing participants to meet everyone in the room. Connections and conversations are … Continue reading From Competitors to Collaborators: How Manufacturers Are Networking with Purpose