“Makers on the Move” Bus Tour Celebrating Manufacturing Month Makes Final Stop of 2025 in the Quad Cities
Tour logged 2,500 miles, made 30 stops at manufacturing facilities, colleges and community centers across Illinois to spotlight career opportunities and highlight modern manufacturing
ROCK ISLAND – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour, which is hosted every October by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) to celebrate Manufacturing Month, made its final stop of 2025 at ALM Positioners in Rock Island on Friday.
Now in its fourth year, the tour launched on October 3 in Chicago, traveling 2,500 miles across Illinois and making roughly 30 stops at manufacturing facilities, educational institutions and community centers across Illinois to highlight the diverse, rewarding careers in manufacturing and offer an up-close look at today’s modern manufacturing. The tour featured a 56-foot charter bus, which was produced and wrapped by Ace Sign Company in Springfield and displayed graphics designed by an Illinois high school student enrolled at the Capital Area Career Center. Additional information about “Makers on the Move,” including a full list of stops, can be found at https://makersonthemove.org.
“We’ve had an inspiring week on the road learning about the incredible products made in Illinois while also connecting students interested in manufacturing careers with real-world learning experiences,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Manufacturers create life-saving medicines, produce the energy that powers our homes and businesses, and make innovative products that are transforming the world. There’s no better time to pursue a career in this exciting, ever-evolving industry.”
Founded in 1982, ALM Positioners is dedicated to promoting safety and productivity in the workplace through the creation and production of automated positioners. These machines feature precision engineering and allow manufacturers of tractors, trucks, trailers buses, military vehicles, and other large, heavy structures to securely lift, rotate and hold their parts in positions that allow for safe and streamlined welding, assembly and handling.
“At ALM Positioners, we’re proud to say we help lift the world,” said Pat Pollock, President & CEO of ALM Positioners. “Our impact goes far beyond the shop floor. Manufacturing careers help elevate families and strengthen communities, and that’s why we take such pride in our work. Being recognized as part of the ‘Makers on the Move’ tour is truly an honor.”
Manufacturing is the largest contributor of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, generating more than $580 billion for the state’s economy each year. The industry directly employs 662,298 workers and supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs – nearly a third of all jobs in Illinois. A new report recently released by the Midwest Manufacturing Association found that Illinois manufacturers exported nearly $69 billion in goods to countries around the globe last year, generating strong economic investment and creating jobs in communities throughout the state.
“Our time on the road has confirmed that our state’s manufacturing industry is both innovative and resilient,” said David Boulay, PhD, President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center. “The manner by which manufacturers have found solutions around challenges they face in key areas including production, workforce development, supply chains and economic policy demonstrate their firm resolve to succeed and build for tomorrow. There is no doubt in my mind that manufacturers across Illinois will continue to grow and contribute to our communities far into the future.”
Nationally, there are 437,000 open jobs in the manufacturing industry, including tens of thousands of available jobs in Illinois. The IMA and IMEC are dedicated to working with employers, educators, and lawmakers to enact policies that help attract and retain a skilled workforce. These efforts are vital to ensuring Illinois can continue to experience strong economic growth in the coming decade, as more baby boomers are expected to exit the job market and companies seek to fill the resulting experience gaps.
“Manufacturing jobs are as diverse as the products made in our state. From highly-skilled positions like robotics technicians, welders and industrial mechanics to graphic designers, sales and administration, there is a manufacturing job available to meet your interests,” said Sarah Hartwick, Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Executive Director of the IMA Education Foundation. “While this year’s ‘Makers on the Move’ tour has come to an end, our state’s incredible manufacturing industry – and its transformative impact – is worth celebrating year-round.”
