Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and a host of other Iowa governmental and business leaders have unveiled a plan to boost Iowa factories during a “Year of Manufacturing.” The Year of Manufacturing initiative, which was announced in January during Branstad’s Condition of the State address, is designed to be a 12-month, concentrated focus on improving Iowa’s manufacturing Gross Domestic Product. Led by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and CIRAS, business leaders plan to fan out across the state to visit with companies and make certain that each firm is aware of the resources available to help them improve.
Author: Jeff Eckhoff
Communications Manager at CIRAS, Iowa State University
CIRAS Helps Frog Legs Make Smooth Transition to Carbon Fiber Wheelchair Wheels
An Iowa manufacturer of wheelchair wheels and caster forks has begun selling stronger and lighter versions of those products—thanks partly to CIRAS’ help in testing and refining what the company describes as “the world’s first carbon fiber wheel set.” Ottumwa-based Frog Legs Inc., which has sold aluminum wheelchair wheels and suspensions since 1997, began selling a new carbon fiber version of its products earlier this year.
Account Manager Spotlight: Sean Galleger
CIRAS account managers know a lot about Iowa businesses. Here are a few questions and answers to help you learn a little more about them:
Partner Spotlight: Iowa Sustainable Business Forum
Continuing our sustainability theme in line with Earth Day on April 22, today, we're highlighting one of our newest partners, the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF).
CIRAS Assessment Finds That Iowa Manufacturers Need Strategy, Technology Help
Iowa manufacturers need help developing strategies, exploring new markets, implementing proven ways of dealing with workforce constraints, and wielding technology as a competitive advantage.
Service Spotlight: Sustainability
With Earth Day on April 22, we wanted to take this time to remind companies of a few different ways we can help Iowa businesses with environmental sustainability.
Resource Spotlight: Expert Advice on Exporting
Only about 15 percent of small- to mid-sized manufacturers in Iowa consider exports as one of their top three growth strategies. Yet in most industries, there are substantial opportunities for growth and profit outside of the United States. One of the leading reasons that companies, especially smaller ones, avoid exporting is the potential complexity and risk associated with international sales. In Iowa, we have a great set of resources to help de-risk the process at any stage.
Iowa State Capstone Students Find Companies Savings, New Efficiencies
Workers at a Des Moines maker of fuel and lubricant delivery trucks now have more efficient workstations thanks to ongoing ties to students at Iowa State University.
Government Contracting Specalist Spotlight: Andy Alexander
CIRAS government contracting specialists know a lot about Iowa businesses. Here are a few questions and answers to help you learn a little more about them:
New EDM Will Help Students, CIRAS Additive Manufacturing Projects
Iowa State University students have gained even more valuable experience with manufacturing technology thanks to CIRAS’ recent purchase of an electrical discharge machine (EDM).