Norbert Gregory Stengel, 90, of Northbrook, Illinois, passed away surrounded by family on October 27, 2025. A native of Germany, he was born and educated there
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Don Tracy, candidate for the United States Senate, visited the Technology & Manufacturing Association’s (TMA) headquarters in Schaumburg, where he met with TMA leadership to discuss headwinds Illinois manufacturers are facing and received a tour of TMA’s training facilities used to educate the next generation of makers and doers.
SCHAUMBURG, IL – At the start of veto session in Springfield on Tuesday, Governor Pritzker announced he wants to make up the state’s projected $267 million deficit by taking away cost-saving benefits provided to manufacturers in the Working Families Tax Cut, or One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) and their small and midsize manufacturer members strongly oppose making manufacturers pay the price for Springfield’s overspending.
On a night that shimmered with pride and purpose, TMA’s Centennial Dinner drew a sold-out crowd of manufacturers, advocates, and legacy builders—each one part of a century-long story still unfolding.
In an array of Centennial congratulations, TMA hears from Chicago Sports Stars
The Technology & Manufacturing Association’s Centennial Dinner, celebrating the Association’s 100 years of serving small and mid-sized manufacturers, featured an array of congratulatory videos, including those from Chicago sports team stars, national media personalities, members of Congress, the Illinois General Assembly, and key organizational leaders.
The first 50 years of what was once called the Chicago metropolitan area’s Tool & Die Institute accurately reflect the history of America’s manufacturing industry from 1925 to 1975.
Walter Bruno Zoberis, age 86, of Burr Ridge passed away peacefully, joining his devoted wife, Erna Jean, his beloved grandson, Zachary Plantz, and many family members in Heaven on September 21, 2025.
The U.S. manufacturing industry faces unprecedented global challenges in the years ahead.
Manufacturers increasingly focused on robotics, 3-D printing, and automation in the early to mid- 21st century. The cost of employing workers increased as expenses for workers’ compensation, OSHA regulations, healthcare, and other government-mandated requirements accumulated. Increasingly, manufacturers relied on automation for assembly needs—automation was generally more cost-effective than hiring additional staff.
The year 2008 plunged the United States into a banking crisis that triggered a severe economic recession.