Cook County and the Southland Development Authority announced on June 17 the launch of the Metals Hub, a new initiative aimed at creating a collaborative network of metals, machinery, and equipment manufacturers in South Suburban Cook County.
The Metals Hub is designed to help local manufacturing firms diversify and expand their customer base. The effort comes as part of a $925,000 investment from Cook County through American Rescue Plan Act funding. This funding will support market research, business lead identification, and management to establish the organizational framework for the hub.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said, “I’m excited to see this concept, a direct outgrowth of Cook County’s 2017 South Suburban Economic Growth Initiative, come to fruition as a result of the Southland Development Authority’s leadership and commitment to helping local firms access new markets and customers.” Preckwinkle added, “We know that COVID majorly disrupted the manufacturing industry, and the Metals Hub will help firms identify new suppliers and build a more resilient supply chain to build back better.”
Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority, said that several opportunities with original equipment manufacturers have already been identified through the hub. “We are thrilled to launch the Metals Hub and know it will have a transformative impact on the Southland’s economy,” Kemp said.
Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center President David Boulay commented on current changes in global supply chains. “The Metals Hub is incredibly timely as we witness monumental shifts in global supply chains,” Boulay said. “The Hub will serve as a vital connector for a coordinated and comprehensive local response. The result will be manufacturers gaining new business opportunities and creating high-skill jobs.”
Henry Peterson of Machining Systems Corporation noted early results from participation: “The Hub, in under four months, has produced more new business than the networking in my trade association, for which I pay annually to be a member.”
According to information provided by Cook County officials during the announcement event at Machine Systems Corporation in Crestwood, Illinois, small-sized firms make up 70% of manufacturers both nationally and locally. These businesses are often family-owned and closely tied to their communities.
Metals Hub services are available free of charge for any manufacturer seeking new supply relationships.
