Secretary Naig Welcomes Applications for Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants
Grants match up to $25,000 per project to expand the availability of Iowa grown, made, and raised foods, beverages, and other ag products
Quadyster Reaches New Heights with Cybersecurity Certification
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
Distynct Corp: Accelerating Product Development with 3D Printing and CIRAS Expertise
Distynct Corp, a technology startup based in Ames, Iowa, is focused on bringing smarter solutions to agriculture through remote monitoring systems. As the company prepared for a new product launch, it turned to CIRAS for help building in-house 3D printing capabilities that would support faster prototyping, reduce production costs, and give greater control over the … Continue reading Distynct Corp: Accelerating Product Development with 3D Printing and CIRAS Expertise
Planning a New Facility Layout for Kinetic Technologies
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
National Carwash Solutions: Reducing Strain with CIRAS Supported Wearable Technology
National Carwash Solutions (NCS), a manufacturer based in Grimes, Iowa, partnered with CIRAS to evaluate wearable exoskeleton technology to reduce physical strain in production roles. The company has since purchased three units to improve worker comfort, productivity, and retention. Company Overview National Carwash Solutions (NCS) is headquartered in Grimes, Iowa, and employs 150 people. Since … Continue reading National Carwash Solutions: Reducing Strain with CIRAS Supported Wearable Technology
Engineered Seals & Components: Improving Seal-Cutting Efficiency Through Automation
Engineered Seals & Components, L.L.C. (ESC), a precision parts company in Davenport, Iowa, is working with CIRAS and automation partner Direct Automation to develop a new machine for cutting large seals more efficiently. The solution will improve consistency, reduce manual labor, and lower safety risks. Company Overview Engineered Seals & Components, L.L.C. (ESC) is a … Continue reading Engineered Seals & Components: Improving Seal-Cutting Efficiency Through Automation
Ritchie Industries: Expanding Sensor Technology with CIRAS Support
Ritchie Industries, a livestock equipment manufacturer in Conrad, Iowa, implemented new sensor technology with guidance from CIRAS. The project improved production efficiency and led to $5,000 in annual labor savings, with plans for further expansion in 2025. Company Overview Ritchie Industries is a family-owned company based in Conrad, Iowa, with 70 employees. Since 1921, the … Continue reading Ritchie Industries: Expanding Sensor Technology with CIRAS Support
Preparing for Tariff Impacts in Your Supply Chain – Oct. 27th Update
Tariff developments continue to affect Iowa manufacturers, and staying informed is key to protecting your operations. CIRAS is here to help you understand the latest shifts and make proactive decisions. In our October 27th update, Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, shared the most recent insights across three areas: New Industry Tariffs New tariffs were … Continue reading Preparing for Tariff Impacts in Your Supply Chain – Oct. 27th Update
Understanding & Leveraging Federal “Veterans First” Preferences
Under a program called “Veterans First,” service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses can get a powerful leg up in federal government contracting. For SDVOSBs, VOSBs and potential teammates, understanding the contours and limitations of this powerful program can make a big strategic difference in selling to Uncle Sam. What Is Veterans First? Veterans … Continue reading Understanding & Leveraging Federal “Veterans First” Preferences
CIRAS Staff News: Meet William Zumdome
William Zumdome joined CIRAS as a Strategic Advisor serving southeast Iowa. William demonstrates expertise in global operations, strategic sourcing, and project execution. He has a successful record of optimizing plant efficiency, leading cross-functional teams, and developing programs that improve quality, safety, and financial performance. Previously, William served as an Operations Director at ITW Magnaflux, where … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet William Zumdome