For Sam and Karissa Hunt, working with the CIRAS APEX Accelerator program has been a family affair. Sam is the owner of Hunter Quality Contracting, a mulching, land-clearing, and timber maintenance company. He connected with Julie Fagle, an APEX government contracting specialist, three years ago for assistance. She proved to be so helpful that he … Continue reading From Dream to Success: How Apex Helped A Family Business Thrive
Author: micapaul
Paper Systems Automates In-house Process, Saves $118,000 Annually with CIRAS Guidance
Sometimes, finding the best solution requires first identifying what isn’t the solution. That was the case at Paper Systems in Des Moines. Paper Systems manufactures liquid bulk packaging— cleverly designed bags enclosed in recyclable, disposable cardboard boxes, making the transport of nonhazardous liquids more convenient and economical. The company aimed to streamline the box-laminating process … Continue reading Paper Systems Automates In-house Process, Saves $118,000 Annually with CIRAS Guidance
Iowa State Capstone Project Helps Manufacturer with Key Production Decision
Based in Peosta, Mi-T-M Corporation specializes in industrial equipment, including pressure washers, air compressors, and generators. Many parts go through a deburring process, which can cause production bottlenecks. Mi-T-M was considering purchasing an automatic deburring machine but needed assurance that it was the right financial move. They also wanted to know if it would help … Continue reading Iowa State Capstone Project Helps Manufacturer with Key Production Decision
Retaining Talent and Expanding Capabilities Collaboration for Workforce Excellence and Facility Innovation
For more than a decade, Walsh Door & Security has relied on CIRAS as a trusted partner, leveraging its expertise to enhance operations, improve employee retention, and design innovative solutions tailored to the company’s evolving needs. That has been Walsh Door & Security’s experience with CIRAS. They’ve found CIRAS to be an ideal one-stop shop, … Continue reading Retaining Talent and Expanding Capabilities Collaboration for Workforce Excellence and Facility Innovation
Mid-States Steel Overcomes Critical Equipment Failure with CIRAS Support
Attending a lab tour of the CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab Powered by Alliant Energy proved invaluable for Mid-States Steel Corporation when they faced a critical equipment issue. “It was a great use of our time,” said Duane Vander Weff, purchasing manager. “The tour exposed us to technologies we wouldn’t usually encounter, which proved crucial when … Continue reading Mid-States Steel Overcomes Critical Equipment Failure with CIRAS Support
ILC Annual Conference Delivers Continued Success
The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) Annual Conference remains Iowa’s premier event for continuous improvement professionals. Three hundred forty attendees from 96 organizations participated in this year’s event on October 24 in Altoona. Organizers attribute the event’s continued success to three key factors: engaging keynote speakers, breakout sessions led by national experts and local members, and … Continue reading ILC Annual Conference Delivers Continued Success
ExporTech: Building a Strategic Path for Export Success
For Iowa companies ready to expand internationally, having a strategic export plan is essential for effectively reaching new markets. CIRAS offers ExporTech, a structured 12- week program equipping companies with insights and resources to grow exports in a targeted, intentional way. ExporTech provides companies with a blueprint to enter or expand their presence in international … Continue reading ExporTech: Building a Strategic Path for Export Success
Iowa State University Students Drive $3.1 Million in Improvements for Nestlé Purina
Nestlé Purina, a manufacturer of dog and cat food and treats located in Clinton, was ready to address some long-standing factory improvement needs. They chose a path that has proven beneficial for many CIRAS clients: a capstone project involving Iowa State University College of Engineering students. “Having new perspectives to review our processes was beneficial, … Continue reading Iowa State University Students Drive $3.1 Million in Improvements for Nestlé Purina
Emily Betz Takes on Expanded Role with the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC)
We are excited to announce that Emily Betz has been appointed Assistant Director of the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) and Process Improvement Project Manager. In this role, she will assume expanded leadership responsibilities, guiding the strategic direction of the ILC. Tracy Schuster, Executive Director of the ILC, shared, “Emily’s new role accurately reflects her leadership … Continue reading Emily Betz Takes on Expanded Role with the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC)
Recap: Mentor-Protégé Summit 2024
CIRAS APEX Accelerator Government Contracting Specialists participated in the Mentor-Protégé Summit 2024 in Detroit. The event highlighted the immense value of the Mentor-Protégé Program for companies aiming to excel in government contracting. Key Takeaways: Focus on Collaboration: The summit emphasized the power of collaboration between established companies and emerging businesses. The structured mentor-protégé relationships were … Continue reading Recap: Mentor-Protégé Summit 2024