SDA Expands Manufacturing Pipeline Through Metals Hub Initiative

The Southland Development Authority (SDA) is continuing to expand its manufacturing and supplier development work across the Southland through the Metals Hub.

The work stretches across several areas at once. Student internships. Supplier readiness. Cybersecurity compliance. Manufacturing marketing. And direct introductions to government agencies.

Together, it’s becoming one of the SDA’s largest pushes into industrial business growth.

SDA Continues Expanding Metals Hub Programming

The SDA said the Metals Hub is expanding efforts to prepare manufacturers for larger government and defense industry opportunities while continuing to connect companies with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).

That includes helping companies improve operational systems and meet increasingly strict compliance requirements tied to federal contracting.

“We are developing some mini roadmaps that may include CMMC evaluations,” said Manny Davila, the VP of Programs and Client Services.

CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. The certification is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers hoping to work with the Department of Defense (also known as the Department of War) and federal agencies.

The SDA is also helping manufacturers strengthen internal quality systems.

“We spent a lot of time on the development of control plans and completing root cause analysis work,” said the SDA’s Vaughn Harrison, an economic development specialist, highlighting his work with a recent partner. “Right now, what we’re doing is gonna give them a framework for their quality management system that they’ll be able to build on for the next two, three, maybe five years.”

These efforts come amidst a competitive landscape. More manufacturers are trying to enter the defense supply chain.

According to data from 2022, there were about 240,000 firms in the manufacturing sector, with all but about 4,000 firms considered to be small. ‘Small’ often means fewer than 500 employees. And yet, many of them have even less. As in - not even 20 employees.

Those smaller firms tend to struggle with compliance requirements. Like certifications and buyer access. The SDA says it’s there to fill the gap.

Manufacturers Need Visibility

The SDA is also working on a new way to help local manufacturers market themselves directly to buyers.

The organization plans to produce ‘capabilities videos’ for several Metals Hub members. Those videos can then be shared with procurement officials and government agencies.

“As you know, there’s been a lot of cuts in the federal budget related to travel,” Davila said. “Some of these government contracting officials can’t get out and about like they used to. So this is kind of our answer.”

Davila wasn’t exaggerating.

In March 2025, the number of business trips sold by U.S. corporate travel agencies declined year-over-year for the third month in a row. And the longest government shutdown in United States history, which ended in November after 43 days, resulted in more than $6 billion in economic losses. Government shutdowns suppress travel demand. This came as many Americans, not just corporations, are cutting back on their travel budgets thanks to rising costs.

All the more reason for the videos, according to Davila.

Davila said the videos will highlight manufacturing capabilities, facilities and production strengths for companies positioned to compete for larger contracts.

Internship Pipeline Continues Growing

The Metals Hub initiative is also building a workforce development pipeline for younger talent entering manufacturing careers.

The SDA said 10 students have already completed internship applications and have been preliminarily matched with manufacturers.

The organization is also finalizing collaborations with organizations beyond just the Southland. The hope is to increase participation to 20 students.

It’s all about long-term workforce growth. Which has also faced problems lately. Not the kind most sectors have seen - where there’s too many workers and not enough jobs. In manufacturing, it’s inverted.

Manufacturers across the country actually keep warning about labor shortages. You see it everywhere. Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute projected the industry could face millions of unfilled jobs nationwide over the next decade if workforce pipelines are not expanded. Meanwhile, about 65% of manufacturers report that attracting and retaining talent is their top challenge.

That might come as a surprise considering that, as of 2024, manufacturing workers in the United States earned $106,691 on average. That includes pay and benefits. And as of 2025, 95% of manufacturing employees were eligible for health benefits.

When you also consider the manufacturing industry contributes nearly $3 trillion to the United States economy, the recruiting issue is a big deal.

The SDA is trying to address part of these recruiting challenges locally.

Government Contracting Opportunities Continue Growing

The SDA also confirmed one Metals Hub member recently scheduled a meeting with the U.S. Navy.

Meanwhile, the organization is planning a June 18 manufacturing roadshow that would bring government contracting officials, Metals Hub members and industry partners directly to manufacturing facilities across the Southland.

The event would allow officials and buyers to see operations firsthand. And then, of course, there would be networking opportunities for manufacturers trying to grow their government contracting presence.

“We want to make sure that we’re highlighting those in the Southland and making sure people know they can come here and do the same thing here that they would normally do elsewhere,” Davila said.

SDA CEO, Bo Kemp, has always noted that many people simply aren’t aware of the opportunity sitting in the Southland outside of Chicago.

This will be a convenient way to show the world what is possible - beyond the big city.

Southland Manufacturing Remains a Major Economic Opportunity

Manufacturing remains one of the largest economic sectors in the Southland region.

But with the way things are today, many smaller firms face challenges. Accessing capital is always the big one. But it’s deeper than that. There’s also common issues navigating procurement systems, understanding compliance requirements and building relationships with institutional buyers.

The SDA says the Metals Hub is designed to help close those gaps. And so is its Illinois APEX Accelerator program led by Chris Cooks, who recently reached a whopping 273 clients.

Instead of focusing only on one-time workshops, the organization is increasingly building long-term systems around supplier readiness, workforce development and industrial growth.

The work continues as the SDA prepares for the 2026 ACHIEVE Summit.

About the Southland Development Authority

The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.