Operational Excellence Newswire Stories

When evaluating a significant equipment investment, TG Industries turned to CIRAS for objective guidance to ensure the decision aligned with its operational needs and long-term strategy. Company Overview TG Industries Inc., founded in 1973 and based in Armstrong, Iowa, employs 22 people and specializes in high-quality telescoping aerial lifting devices. The company designs, manufactures, and … Continue reading TG Industries Navigates Key Equipment Decision with CIRAS Guidance

By implementing ISO 9001:2015 requirements into its quality system, Hawkeye Fabrication strengthened internal processes, expanded market opportunities, and positioned the company for continued growth. Company Overview Founded in 1998 and located in Ida Grove, Iowa, Hawkeye Fabrication is a manufacturer specializing in fabricated steel bridges and railings. With 12 employees, the company serves customers who … Continue reading Hawkeye Fabrication Strengthens Quality Systems to Unlock New Growth

After successfully navigating supply chain disruptions with CIRAS support in 2022, Art’s Way Manufacturing returned in 2025 to update its supply chain map—gaining renewed visibility into supplier risk, understanding tariff exposure, and confirming that earlier mitigation efforts were making a measurable difference. Company overview Art’s Way Manufacturing Co. Inc. designs and produces farm and construction … Continue reading Art’s Way Manufacturing builds supply chain resilience and reduces tariff risk with CIRAS

When Iowa manufacturers reported workforce challenges as a top concern in the most recent CIRAS Manufacturing Needs Assessment, one theme stood out: Companies need human resource professionals who are not just administrators but leaders. Yet for many manufacturers, HR staff is often a one-person team, with few opportunities to connect, share, and learn. To address … Continue reading Collaboration Cohort Equips HR Leaders to Drive Results

CIRAS continues to help Iowa companies manage ongoing supply chain disruptions and navigate the challenges of changing tariffs. Through a growing library of webinars and resources, now totaling 11 sessions with more than 1,000 views, manufacturers have access to timely and easy-to-understand guidance. This work is part of the CIRAS “Managing your supply chain during … Continue reading Navigating Supply Chain and Tariff Challenges

What if waste wasn’t waste at all? That question led two Iowa companies—Ajinomoto and Valent BioSciences—to partner with Iowa State University to test whether industrial byproducts from their manufacturing operations could serve as effective alternatives to commercial fertilizers. Through the CIRAS Technology Assistance Program (TAP), CIRAS co-invested state appropriations with the companies to collaborate with … Continue reading CIRAS Helps Two Companies Unlock the Value of Fertilizer Byproducts

Through a CIRAS supplier scouting project conducted for Blue-9, Lomont Molding gained new business after being identified and selected as a plastics manufacturing partner. The project highlights how CIRAS connects Iowa companies using data-driven insight and internal collaboration to strengthen local supply chains. Company Overview Lomont Molding LLC, based in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a … Continue reading Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting

As Insta-Pro International continued to grow its supplier base, the company partnered with CIRAS to implement a structured quality management system that improved internal processes, strengthened supplier communication, and saved an estimated $190,000. Company Overview Location: Polk County, lowa Founded: 1969 Employees: 45 Primary Products: Grain and bean processing equipment, extruders, oil processors, coolers, and … Continue reading Insta-Pro International Strengthens Quality Systems to Support Growth

CIRAS partnership helps Iowa tech company achieve CMMC Level 2 and expand opportunities in the defense market. Company Overview Quadyster is a technology solutions company based in Bettendorf that set an ambitious goal to become Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliant under Department of Defense standards. Achieving this certification allows the company to … Continue reading Quadyster Reaches New Heights with Cybersecurity Certification

Kinetic Technologies, L.L.C., partnered with the CIRAS to plan its move into a larger facility designed to support continued growth. Through a structured, data-driven process, CIRAS helped the company evaluate multiple layout options and determine which configuration would best improve efficiency, safety, and flexibility for the future. Company Overview Kinetic Technologies, L.L.C., located in Algona, … Continue reading Planning a New Facility Layout for Kinetic Technologies