The Hubs attendance at the 2022 International Manufacturing Technology Show proved to be quintessential for the Metals Hub in many facets. Showcasing our presence to the IMTS community, the Metals Hub team attended as a sponsor for the German American Chambers of Commerce German Night Reception – here, new connections were formed to drive business to the Southland and Metals Hub partners. Already, the Hub has seen success in its operations since its creation in 2019.

“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,” said Henry Peterson, Sales/Engineer, Machining Systems Corporation, located in Crestwood Illinois, a Metals Hub founder.

Serving 24 townships and growing every day, the Southland Metals Hub highlights the area’s great potential in expanding and growing Metals, Machinery, and Equipment (MM&E) Manufacturers in the region. With over 40 qualified metal manufacturing companies on board, the Metal Hub’s goal is to build a flexible network of metalworking and machinery manufacturing firms in the Southland to strengthen and grow new supply chain opportunities that match the capabilities of its members and network.

Working collaboratively with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, the Hub’s infrastructure of subject matter experts, consultants, and SDA staff fully supports these manufacturers with networking opportunities, business connections, and overall business support. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced a $925k investment in the Metals Hub to bolster development in MM&E manufacturing. This reflects a strategy made to foster resiliency within the manufacturing sector and prospective new manufacturers. Consequently, this will further provide the Southland region with funding to support market research, identify new business leads, and management to the organizational framework needed to operationalize the Metals Hub. Complementary to membership, the Hub promotes community-building events by extending invites to regional trade shows and plans to attend more regional trade shows and conferences in 2023. 

With increased membership and alliances being formed through the Metals Hub, new entrepreneurial leads can launch the Southland region toward economic growth, prosperity, and nationwide recognition for its MM&E capabilities. Guided by a Founders Group of MM&E professionals and managed by the Southland Development Team, the Metals Hub is eager to provide business oversight to its current members and provide future members access to the Metals Hub network. The Metal Hub’s services are free for any manufacturer seeking new supply relationships.

For more information, visit www.southlanddevelopment.org/mme.