Latest news with #MakersMadness
Chicago Tribune
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Column: With firefighting helicopter refill pump, Plano company can claim ‘coolest thing made in Illinois'
MTH Pumps, which makes its products in a non-descript metal building in Plano, may not sound like that cool of a company. But the aerial firefighting helicopter refill pump that's produced there has just been named 'The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois,' an award presented recently by Gov. JB Pritzker during a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield, which was hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and sponsored by Comcast Business. Out of more than 250 entries, the MTH pump received the most of the 411,000 votes that were cast through the eight- week competition, according to an Illinois Manufacturers' Association press release. Just as the name implies, the pump is designed to reduce the refill time of helicopter-based water tanks from over a minute to as little as 30 seconds, increasing the number of water drops that aerial firefighters can place on a wildfire. Which, of course, improves chances of slowing or stopping the flames from spreading; When wildfires in California left a trail of destruction, noted the press release, 'MTH Pumps helped by providing more rapid and reliable water access for the aerial firefighters.' Battling hot blazes is indeed pretty cool. But what I also found interesting after talking to Tim Tremain, president of MTH, is that the Plano facility has been making this product for nearly two decades – after a Washington state company asked for a faster pump to battle wildfires – and engineering manager Greg Rittgers accepted the challenge. Which leads to an obvious question: What took so long for the 2025 winner of this bracketed Makers Madness contest to take home the cool prize? Turns out it all comes down to timing – and marketing. In the first five years the Illinois Manufacturers' Association has been sponsoring this competition – Caterpillar's mining truck was a previous champ – MTH always submitted one of its top-selling pumps and 'the product we want to grow, which is used by data centers to save energy when air conditioners are running in those massive buildings.' Sounds practical, for sure. Still, the coolest thing about that pump is the temperature it helps control. Firefighting, however, is a whole different story. Indeed, battling wildfires has been in the news in a spectacular way, particularly in the Los Angeles area, where nearly three weeks of blazes in January killed more than two dozen people and destroyed more than 18,000 homes and structures. Even though the firefighting pump is not MTH's main product – less than 200 have been sold in 20 years – Tremain and his top people figured 'why not give it a shot' in this sixth annual contest. Things really fell into place, he added, when Dart Aerospace, a helicopter company that uses these Plano-built pumps, was praised by L.A. firefighters for the product's impact on the critical job they performed this year. Tremain's marketing crew not only called upon West Coast firefighters to support the MTH entry in this coolest-thing contest, 'we tapped into other firefighters,' including those in Illinois, he said, estimating that of the 6,000 votes cast for the top four finalists, 'we got about 1,600 … 52 more' than the second place finisher. 'I even had my dental office voting for me,' Tremain quipped. In all seriousness, the MTH president's main purpose for entering the contest was to help employees understand the importance of the work they do day in and day out. 'Traditionally, we run under the radar,' he said, noting this was a big win for small businesses. 'When people drive by, they only see a non-descript metal building, not a company with the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the country right here in Plano. 'Because we are always looking for new employees – and looking to grow – it's nice to have people start recognizing the good things we are doing over there.' What's also really cool? His father Dave Tremain, a mechanical engineer who started the company back in 1965 with that first drawing of a pump, is 93 years old but still comes to work every day. After the elder Tremain retired and turned the company over to his son, an electrical engineer, he 'got bored and started a couple more businesses,' said Tim, who describes his father as 'the real entrepreneur.' Tremain still thinks 'the data center pump is a cool story,' noting that it can also cross over to medical pumps which are part of incubators and MRI machines. 'Those are saving lives too,' he pointed out. 'But helicopters dropping water on wildfires … that makes for a lot better video.'
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Firefighting helicopter refill pump named 2025's ‘Coolest Thing Made in Illinois'
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — An aerial fire fighting helicopter refill pump has been named 2025's 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' in the sixth annual Makers Madness contest. According to the state, 'Manufactured by MTH Pumps in Plano, the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump was designed to reduce the refill time of helicopter-based water tanks from over a minute to as little as 30 seconds, increasing the number of water drops that aerial firefighters can place on a wildfire. This time advantage improves the chances of slowing or stopping fires from endangering lives, property and habitats. When wildfires in California left a trail of destruction, MTH Pumps helped by providing rapid and reliable water access for aerial firefighting teams.' 'Congratulations to Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump for being named the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. This product is a great example of the bold ideas, creativity, and innovation that powers the manufacturing sector here in Illinois,' said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. 'With commitment and passion, manufacturers across our state are creating products that solve real-world problems and improve lives. We applaud the men and women on our shop floors whose remarkable skills turn ideas into reality.' 'Illinois' world-class manufacturing industry is leading the charge as one of the top drivers of our continued economic success here in Illinois, and that's thanks to the incredible innovators all across our state,' said Governor JB Pritzker. 'I'm excited to announce this year's winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois, the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump. To the team at MTH Pumps, congratulations, and to all the manufacturers who took part in this year's competition: thank you for your creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication. You make our state stronger.' More than 250 products were nominated this year. Last year's winner was the , built in Peoria. Previous winners included the , made by Ingersoll Machine Tools in Rockford, and the , made by Rivian in Normal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Whiskey made in northern Illinois advances to Top 8 in 2025 Maker's Madness contest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon, made in northern Illinois, has advanced to the final 8 'coolest products made in Illinois' in the state's 2025 'Maker's Madness' contest. The bourbon is made by Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., in DeKalb. 'Makers Madness is a celebration of the incredible products made right here in Illinois, highlighting the unparalleled level of creativity and innovation that distinguishes our state's manufacturing industry,' said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. 'We wish all of the contestants the best of luck as the search continues for the product that will earn the 2025 title of the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.' runs until 11:59 p.m. on March 30th. The Maker's Madness contest is a bracket-style tournament in which voters across the state vote for their favorite Illinois-made product. Aerosoal Spray Cheese, made by Berner Food and Bevereage LLC in Dakota, was in the Top 16 bracket of the contest, but was knocked out. The Illinois Manufacturer's Association, which runs the annual event, said nearly 250,000 votes were cast in the 6th annual contest. More than 250 products were nominated this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hennig Manufacturing Company continues to grow in Machesney Park, hires 200 workers
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — Leaders of a manufacturing company in Machesney Park said their business continues to grow with each passing year. That's the word from Hennig chairman and CEO Dietmar Goellner. He gave Eyewitness News a tour of their facility on North Second Street. He said he's been in his role for roughly a quarter century. 'I love it because I love working with our people,' Goellner said. 'I love the fact that we've been able to do something that's extremely difficult. We've scaled our business every year for the last six, seven years. We've doubled our business year after year after year, and that's something we're proud of.' While giving us a tour, he had to stop at times to marvel at the work his employees do. 'I come more from a machine tool background and so I just feel like every day I'm learning something new,' he said. The facility manufactures large generator enclosures. They provide critical emergency backup power in case there's a primary power failure at places like massive data centers for companies like Amazon and Meta. 'We need to turn that that power on very quickly and it has to have a very high reliability that indeed it will come on when it needs to come on,' he said. Goellner said it takes a lot of talented workers to make sure things run smoothly. 'Right now Hennig has probably north of 900 working here,' he said. 'We need to hire another 200 or so by the end of this year to meet our customer demand.' They are hiring, he said. He said it's necessary to achieve the company's goals for growth. 'Our goal right now is to do 650 units this year,' he said. 'We want to do 800 to 900 units next year. And for the orders that we're receiving in 2027, our goal is to do 1200 units.' Goellner said Hennig is always looking to improve how they run the business. 'There's a saying that your current state should be your worst state which means that we are striving for excellence and that every day, every week, every month we want to be better at what we do,' he said. He said the sky is the limit for how far Hennig can grow in the years to come. 'So we are a family owned business. We're private. We're not owned by private equity. We're not publicly traded company,' he said. 'So as far as the future goes, everyone said that, 'hey, let's keep growing the business,' so this will get turned over to that third generation and we're excited about the future.' Hennig's generator enclosures are up for being voted as the Coolest Thing Made in the State for this year's Makers Madness contest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
14-03-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: East Dundee VB approves new gateway, wayfinding signs; Kane Animal Control holding vaccine, microchip clinics
East Dundee VB approves new gateway, wayfinding signs The East Dundee Village Board has approved new gateway and downtown wayfinding signs designed by Gary R. Webber Associates, and next will seek proposals to have them built and installed, according to the village newsletter. Money for the multiyear project is coming from the Dundee Crossing Business Development District, with work expected to begin in the 2025 fiscal year. The board has earmarked $100,000 from its capital projects budget to start the work. The best locations for the signs, which are meant to help visitors get around town and highlight East Dundee's unique and historic identity, are still under consideration, the newsletter said. For more information, go to Kane Animal Control holding vaccine, microchip clinics Kane County Animal Control has spring and summer dates open for its low-cost drive-thru rabies vaccine and microchip clinics. Clinics will be held at the Kane County Animal Control Facility, 4060 Keslinger Road, Geneva, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26; 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14. A one-year rabies vaccine with tag costs $30 for neutered animals and $55 for non-neutered pets, a news release said. For county residents 65 or older, vaccines are $15 for neutered animals and $25 for non-neutered. Microchipping is $15. Owners must verify their pets have not bitten anyone in the past 10 days. An adult over age 18 must be present to handle their pet. If a pet requires a muzzle, it must be placed on the animal before entering the clinic, the release said. For more information, go to call 630-232-3555 or email animalcontrol@ Elgin-area products competing in Makers Madness contest Products from four Elgin area businesses are among the 250 nominated for 'coolest thing made in Illinois' in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's sixth annual 'Makers Madness' contest. Weekly voting take places at to determine which companies move on in the March Madness-style elimination process, a news release said. The field will eventually narrow to determine the winner, which will be honored in a ceremony April 9 at the governor's mansion in Springfield. The Elgin-area nominees are: Weiler Engineering in Elgin for its blow/fill/seal machines and molds used to produce filled containers, like vials to bottles. USACH Technologies Inc. in Elgin for the BoulePro 200AX, a machine that plays a role in the computer chip making process. OTTO Engineer in Carpentersville for Enhanced Spatial Positioning Push-to-Talk technology that allows walkie talkie operators to clearly hear various audio sources. Hoffer Plastics in South Elgin for its P-15 cap, which is used by Big Easy Blends on its pouches for slushie and smoothies. Kane sheriff's, health departments offering free CPR classes The Kane County Sheriff's Office and Health Department will offer free CPR training for the public at the Kane County Sheriff's Office, 37W755 Route 38, St. Charles. Sessions are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 21, and Monday, March 24, according to a webpage for the program. The classes follow the American Heart Association's HeartSaver CPR course and are designed for educational purposes, a news release said. They do not include certification. To register, go to Early bird registration for Skeleton Trot 5K 2025 now open Registration is underway for the second 5K El Trote De Las Calacas (Skeleton Trot) Race and Walk, scheduled for 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The event raises money for the School District U-46 and the Gail Borden Public Library District foundations. The inaugural run in 2024 drew about 1,000 participants, according to a news release. Early registration is $35 per person, with team pricing and youth discounts available.
