Illinois manufacturers continue to face enormous challenges in re-building from the recession. To stay in business, many companies reduced workforce levels, deferred maintenance on key equipment and delayed investments in improving operational effectiveness. Now, as demand increases, small and mid-sized companies in particular need help preparing to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities that will come with economic recovery.

Illinois manufacturers can and will recover from the worst recession since the 1930s. Unprepared companies, however, risk losing their customer base to competitors. Manufacturers who are prepared will expand their workforces more rapidly and help rebuild our state and national economies.

Evaluation - Holistic review of a manufacturer's ability to capitalize on new opportunities

· Financial readiness

· Equipment capacity and reliability

· Supply chain readiness

· Workforce availability and capacity

· Diversification readiness (markets, customers, poducts, distribution channels)

· Operational excellence (cost, quality, delivery)