West Cook News

Touring the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in McCormick Place — America’s largest convention center — in downtown Chicago, Gov. Bruce Rauner visited half a dozen high-profile, Illinois-oriented companies’ exhibits during the week long event.

 

Bringing together the latest in manufacturing breakthroughs for worldwide attendees, Chicago hosts the IMTS every two years. McCormick Place is located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive.

 

Rauner visited booths representing the Harting Technology Group, Molex LLC, Omron Delta, Rittal Corp., THK America and Wittenstein. With varying national and global headquarters, all of the firms have ties to Illinois on some level.

 

 “It is great to have the IMTS in Chicago,” Rauner said. “Our state is attractive to global manufacturers … Investing in our manufacturing industry, and getting it growing, is key to creating middle-class jobs in Illinois and improving our quality of life for all.”

 

With an Elgin office employing 35, Germany’s Harting Technology Group produces industrial connectors and cables for the electronics industry. Lisle-based Molex manufactures systems for aerospace and defense clients, operating seven Illinois plants and employing 900, while Omron Delta's North American headquarters are based in Hoffman Estates and boasts six Illinois hubs, creating automation for various fields.

 

Rittal Corp. relocated from Ohio to Schaumburg in 2013 and employs 20 staffers, delivering industrial housing for IT servers and electrical systems. THK America also calls Schaumburg home for its North American headquarters, with over 130 workers, making parts for linear motion systems.

 

German manufacturer Wittenstein creates parts for robotic and conveyor systems for aerospace, defense, racing, and offshore oil and gas operations, employing 65 workers at its North American base in Bartlett.