Iowa State’s CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy continues to invest in technologies that fit the needs of Iowa manufacturers. “Technology can change rapidly through software, hardware, or material improvements,” said Chris Hill, CIRAS program director. “A key to the continued success of the digital lab is to ensure we have access to … Continue reading Digital Manufacturing Lab Adds New Technologies
Author: carmenw
Connections Help Business Assume Financial Management
A Sioux City construction company now handles a majority of its accounting work in-house thanks to the help it received from the Iowa Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. I&A Construction’s primary focus is flat concrete work like sidewalks, driveways, trails, and curbs and gutters, as well as cast-in-place intakes. I&A Construction is DBE certified, which … Continue reading Connections Help Business Assume Financial Management
Using Automation to Bridge Labor Gap
Iowa manufacturers are turning to CIRAS with questions on how to maintain productivity and profitability when workforce is in short supply. Depending on the application, the answer can be automation or using robotics instead of humans to perform tasks like machine-tending. “Machinists are high-skilled employees, but some of the tasks they perform do not require … Continue reading Using Automation to Bridge Labor Gap
IPI Finds Benefit in ILC Membership
Iowa Prison Industries (IPI) credits membership in the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) with broadening opportunities for the people it serves. IPI is a division of the Iowa Department of Corrections that provides training to incarcerated men and women. IPI staff are ILC members through the State of Iowa’s organizational membership. “The networking relationships we’ve developed … Continue reading IPI Finds Benefit in ILC Membership
Company Takes Creative Approach to Workforce Shortage
A Marion assembler of wire harnesses and control boards started looking at new ways to address its labor shortage after its CEO attended a CIRAS presentation on workforce challenges. Tom Pientok, CEO of Timberline Manufacturing Company, was present at one of the first workforce talks given by CIRAS director Ron Cox. He later arranged for … Continue reading Company Takes Creative Approach to Workforce Shortage
Iowa Manufacturers use Grant to Invest in Technology
The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s 2020 Manufacturing 4.0 plan identified five key strategies focused on preparing Iowa’ s manufacturers for the fourth industrial revolution, in which the physical and digital elements of factories become fully integrated. As global manufacturing transforms, it is critical that manufacturers apply technology to fill existing workforce gaps and create new, … Continue reading Iowa Manufacturers use Grant to Invest in Technology