Made in DuPage - workNet DuPage Career Center

Ace Metal Crafts Company
Bensenville

In 1960, sixteen sheet metal workers launched Ace Metal Crafts Company inventing techniques that are now standards in sanitary stainless-steel manufacturing. Providing fabrication, machining, and Value Engineering solutions for industries requiring sanitary stainless-steel components, today Ace’s in-depth knowledge resides in its processes and people, many with 30+ years of experience, working alongside the next generation of engineers, welders, finishers/polishers and fabricators.

Avanti Engineering
Glendale Heights

Avanti’ is Italian for ‘move forward’ and moving forward is exactly what Avanti Engineering, Inc. has been doing since 1972. Established by CEO and founder Joseph J. Bratta, the family business, which operates out of a 55,000-square-foot facility, provides complete screw machine parts and precision CNC turning services. Meeting even the most precise specifications and tolerances, Avanti Engineering creates high-quality components for all industries – hydraulics, plumbing, aerospace, marine, electronics, medical, and beyond. The company which started as a small garage-based operation, today makes parts up to four times faster than traditional Swiss machines!

BBS Automation
Bartlett

BBS Automation is one of the leading providers worldwide of automated assembly and testing solutions. DuPage County’s reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing and research and development attracted the company to open a new American factory in 2016 in Bartlett. The company develops and produces automation technology for customers in a wide range of industries: automotive, aerospace, power generation and renewable energy, optics, medical, electronics and consumer goods.

Forster Tool & Manufacturing
Bensenville

Founded in 1958, Forster Tool built its reputation on Swiss Screw Custom Machining before expanding into CNC Milling and CNC Turning.

In celebration of manufacturing month, Maureen Forster, current president, and Scotty Forster, 3rd generation owner, give an inside look into the Bensenville-based company that’s been providing precision custom machining services for over 50 years. Stay tuned to the end to meet Production Manager Stepfanie Suerth and be sure to give her a call if you’re looking for a career opportunity!

INX International Ink Co.
West Chicago

The third-largest manufacturer of inks in North America calls DuPage County home. INX International Ink Co., a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, has its research and development arm as well as its main production facility located in West Chicago. The company provides a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies, and integrated services. At INX, the average employee has been there for more than 13 years. The company is currently looking for new talent to bring quality, service, and innovation to the printing and packaging markets! INX is always looking for R&D, including chemists, as well as people seeking a position in manufacturing or laboratories, sales, administration, and more. Current openings include R&D Chemist - UV Inks, R & D Chemist - Liquid Solvent Inks, Regulatory Affairs Product Steward and Production Support Casual Worker (PT).

Klein Tools
Elk Grove Village

Klein Tools, a sixth-generation family business established in 1857, designs and manufactures premium quality hand tools. Many of the tools are produced at Klein’s Elk Grove Village facility.

To develop a talent pipeline of advanced skilled workers, Klein Tools partnered with workNet DuPage and Harper Community College to establish an apprenticeship program. The “earn and learn” model combines on-the-job-training with coursework over a three-year period. workNet DuPage reimburses all classroom costs through WIOA-funded Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) grants. Apprentices pursue either electromechanical or CNC precision machining tracks. The knowledge apprentices acquire in the classroom immediately translates to the workplace, filling a critical need on the plant floor. “We have benefited from workNet DuPage from their generous contributions for our apprenticeship program,” says Labor Relations Manager Maggie Rossi. Learn more about the historic company in the video.

Magnetrol
Aurora

From its first mechanical buoyancy switch in 1932, Magnetrol has been focused on one thing: providing reliable, best-in-class level measurement solutions for the process industries. Its instrumentation combines the latest in innovation with the deepest experience in a wide range of applications. The work environment is team-oriented, with a focus on innovation, engaging work performance, and recognition for a job well done. The facility in Aurora represents a long-term commitment by Magnetrol to provide its associates a functional and up-to-date working environment.

Midtronics
Willowbrook

Since pioneering a new standard in battery testers with conductance testing technology, Midtronics has been passionate about creating better battery management solutions for the world’s leading automobile and heavy truck manufacturers, vehicle service organizations, and battery manufacturers. Located in Willowbrook, its products have been consistently recognized for innovation and product design excellence, earning multiple industry awards. Midtronics is a fast-growing company with an energetic, passionate, and innovative leadership team.

Midwest Molding
Bartlett

Midwest Molding (MMI) is a leading supplier to the automotive electronics and appliance industries. Employing a team of manufacturing and project engineers, MMI strongly believes in continuous process and workforce improvements to stay ahead of the game. A competitive force in today’s global arena, the company maintains a fully electric manufacturing facility and specializes in: Straight Injection Molding, Insert & Composite Molding, Reel to Reel Continuous Strip Molding, Two Shot Molding, Pre-Mold & Overmolding, Gas Assist Molding, Wire Harness Assembly, Multi-Component Assembly, Sonic and Vibration Welding.

OSG Corporation
Bensenville

OSG USA is located in Bensenville and is a subsidiary of OSG Corporation, a publicly held company headquartered in Toyokawa, Japan. OSG manufactures taps, end mills, drills, and indexable cutting tools. OSG also serves the fastener industry by offering a complete line of thread rolling, flat, cylindrical, planetary, rack and trim dies. The company markets its products to numerous industries including automotive, die mold, aerospace, energy, heavy industry and dental. Explore OSG's history, machining processes and innovative products in the video.

Pioneer Service
Addison

Pioneer Service is a Certified Women-Owned contract manufacturer. The company specializes in CNC Swiss machining, CNC turning, and Centerless Grinding services for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Since 1990, the company has supplied top quality precision manufactured parts to a wide variety of industries including: Aerospace, Electric Vehicles, Hydraulics and Fluid Power, Medical and Dental, and many other industries. Watch this short video commemorating their 29th year of supplying quality precision manufactured parts.

QMI Security Solutions
Itasca

Itasca-based QMI Security Solutions has grown consistently over three decades employing more than 100 people. Jim Miller, QMI President and founder, desired to be a successful businessman like his father. After traveling to Europe where exterior rolling shutters are commonplace due to high energy costs and the greater efficiency of exterior window treatments, he discovered an opportunity to create a successful business in DuPage County. Over time, QMI expanded its product line to include Roll Shutters, Side-Folding Grilles, Stainless Steel Screens, ProductSafe Cases, Hurricane Protections, and Commercial Vehicle Doors. The current president & CEO is Kevin White.

Simplex System Controls
Elmhurst

Watch the control panel building process from start to finish and get a closer look at what Simplex System Controls, Inc. does on a daily basis. Located in Elmhurst, Simplex furnishes custom industrial electric and pneumatic control panels for major corporations and small businesses in the greater Chicago area, North America, and internationally. The company manufactures enclosures for many industries: Food & Beverage, Natural Gas, Renewable Energy & Natural Resources, Water & Wastewater Management, Personal Care Products, Machine Manufacturing, Power & Utilities, Homeland Security, and Pharmaceuticals.

Wise Plastics
St. Charles

Originally founded in 1974, in Elgin, Wise Plastics is a full-service custom plastic injection molder. From its humble beginnings, to the world-class manufacturing facility it operates today in St. Charles, Wise Plastics has enjoyed continuous growth for the past forty-six years through innovation, building a team of skilled industry professionals and relying on the latest manufacturing technologies and lean manufacturing principles. Fun fact: Wise Plastics still molds parts today for its very first customer from 1974!

WITTENSTEIN
Bartlett

From sewing machines to servo actuator system solutions. It all began with an idea. With North American headquarters based in Bartlett, the WITTENSTEIN Group’s evolution from sewing machine manufacturer to an international one-stop shop for electromechanical servo actuator system solutions began in 1949. Using borrowed equipment, this small firm specialized in the manufacture of double chainstitch machines for glovemaking. Today the company develops customized products, systems and solutions for highly dynamic motion, maximum-precise positioning and smart networking for mechatronic drive technology. Its vast list of industry competence includes: Automation, Robotics, Handling; Automotive & E-Mobility; Machine Tools; Food, Pharma, Converting – Packaging; Food, Pharma, Converting – Manufacturing; Packaging; Machine and Plant Construction; Oil & Gas Exploration; Plastics & Rubber Processing; Measuring and Testing Technology; Semiconductor & Electronic Assembly; Simulation; Aerospace; and Defense.