SDA and IMEC Partner to Support Illinois Manufacturers
Tinley Park, Illinois - On September 23, 2025, the Southland Development Authority (SDA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) officially joined forces to accelerate growth and innovation among metals manufacturers in the Southland. Both non-profits are dedicated to serving the local manufacturing industry and collectively bring more than three decades of expertise to small and mid-sized businesses.
Through this partnership, Illinois metals manufacturers will gain more than just services—they’ll gain a competitive edge. SDA and IMEC are equipping companies with seamless access to state-of-the-art tools, real-time market insights, and industry connections that open doors to new opportunities. From bid-matching to strategic research and growth planning, the collaboration ensures manufacturers are not only prepared to compete, but to lead.
This alliance also creates a platform for collaboration on forward-looking industry events, including Forge5, SDA’s premier Industry 5.0 and Smart Manufacturing showcase, where IMEC joins as title sponsor. This half-day summit brings together manufacturers, technology leaders, and innovators to explore how Industry 5.0 is transforming design, production, and collaboration, placing people at the center of smarter, more sustainable manufacturing.
“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate in driving growth within the region’s metals manufacturing industry,” said Manny Davila, Vice President of Programs and Client Services at the SDA. “We’re also excited to welcome IMEC as the title sponsor of our upcoming Forge5 event. This serves as a clear demonstration of their commitment to fostering innovation in the Southland.”
“The SDA and IMEC share the same goal, which is to ignite the local metals manufacturing industry to achieve transformative economic growth and global competitiveness,” explained David Boulay, Ph.D., President at IMEC. “This partnership will lay the groundwork for manufacturing excellence by providing new bidding opportunities, key market research insights, and best practice sharing at industry-focused events.”
Together, SDA and IMEC are building a stronger, more connected manufacturing ecosystem by creating new pathways for growth, innovation, and competitiveness in Illinois’ metals sector.
About SDA
The Southland Development Authority is a non-profit business organization designed to grow the economy of the South Suburbs. Launched in 2019 by business, civic, and political leaders across the Southland, the Authority brings the resources and capacity necessary to achieve transformative and inclusive economic growth for the region. It focuses on investment in industry, workforce, housing, and communities.
About IMEC
For nearly 30 years, IMEC has been the trusted partner in advancing the success of Illinois manufacturers, delivering a consistent return on investment of 19:1. In 2024 alone, IMEC worked with 2,890 manufacturers. Those clients reported an aggregate impact of over $873 million, including 7,736 jobs created or retained. IMEC works closely with its clients to increase efficiency, plan critical business improvements, and help grow domestic supply chains through its six solution pillars: Lead their Company, Plan for Success, Grow their Business, Improve their Operations, Focus on their People, and Decide with Data.
