Manufacturing 2.0
Rock River Valley manufacturing experts discuss the many facets of manufacturing: technology, education, training, events, people and any other aspects of this important segment of our economy. They’ll use this blog to get the word out and solicit feedback on local and global manufacturing. They hope to better engage our employers, employees and our future work force and increase their understanding of manufacturing.

Blogger bios

Teresa Beach-Shelow
Teresa Beach-Shelow
Vice president of Superior Joining Technologies Inc., which was founded in 1992. SJTI is a precision-welding laboratory that provides micro-welding, laser welding, tig welding, tool and die repair, fixturing and fabrication services to customers in the aerospace and metalworking industries, nationally and globally. Co-founder of Women of Today’s Manufacturing. Professional association with members from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Co-founder and past board chair of Manufacturing Alliance of the Rock River Valley (MARRV). Teresa is a recognized leader in the successful efforts to strengthen the manufacturing industry in northern Illinois. She is frequently requested to speak about women in manufacturing, public-private collaboration, workforce attraction, entrepreneurship and related fields. Husband, Thom, is founder and president of Superior Joining Technologies, Inc. Two daughters and four grandchildren.

Mike Cermak
Mike Cermak
Serves as Rockford School District’s director of career education. He is planning and implementing the opening of the district’s new Academic Career Education High School or ACE High School. ACE High School will begin with an inaugural class of 60 sophomores in August 2008. Cermak’s previous experiences include six years at Rock Valley College as faculty and administrator, six years teaching high school graphic arts and a couple years of sales in the exhibit industry.

Tom McDunn
Tom McDunn
Director of advanced manufacturing for Rockford Area Ventures since 2004. Before that, president of Ingersoll Milling Machine Co. from 1999-2003. Earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1981. Developed model of definition and development for EIGERlab.

Bob Trojan
Bob Trojan
Graduated from Chicago Vocational High School and then served in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Graduate of University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering and Northwestern University with a master’s degree in marketing. Started work career in engineering and manufacturing management positions with Fiat Allis Construction Machinery. Then took an assignment as President John Brown PLC Machine Tool Division in Coventry England. President, Executive Resources Inc., his own consultant company in Rhode Island. Came to the Rockford area in 1990 as president of Hydro-Line Inc. Started Rockford Linear Actuation Inc. in 2002 after Hydro-Line Inc. was relocated. Employs 22 and specializes in designing, manufacturing and selling hydraulic cylinders to domestic and international distributors and customers. Lives in Caledonia with his wife, Norma. Has three sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren living in Crystal Lake and Connecticut.