The Extension Connection

CIRAS Director Ron Cox addressed visitors attending CIRAS' 40th anniversary celebration event Sept. 11 at the Iowa State campus.

2003 FALL ISSUE

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Last update: October 2003

A quarterly publication of Iowa State University Extension

Manufacturing assistance center marks 40 years of services

Forty years ago, the Iowa Legislature saw that manufacturers in the state had many needs for information, education and hands-on assistance. It saw the expertise that existed at Iowa State, particularly in the College of Engineering, and ISU Extension’s outreach capabilities in all 99 counties.

The lawmakers created the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), placing specialists across the state and housing the center at the university in Ames.

As CIRAS marks its 40th year, director Ron Cox noted industry has progressed in the state through varying economic times, yet CIRAS’ role in providing knowledge and assistance remains as vital as ever.

“Without CIRAS’ help, we would not be in business now,” said David Belloma, manager of Centerville Machining Inc. Assistance brought about improvements in management techniques, major cost savings and increased sales. Centerville Machining manufactures lathe and machining center parts and castings of steel or aluminum.

CIRAS long has been known for its individual contacts with a large share of Iowa’s nearly 6,000 manufacturers. Many of those contacts have developed into long-term, multi-purpose relationships.

As the business and manufacturing climate has changed, CIRAS has adapted.

“Our key functional areas over many years have been engineering services, quality, productivity, management and procurement,” Cox said. “We take our resources -- predominantly human resources -- in those areas and arrange them to meet needs based on current opportunities.”

CIRAS still works one-on-one with manufacturers. Now, “given limited dollars,” Cox said, it also looks for avenues that provide broader-based opportunities to assist them.

“We are seeing ways to leverage our resources and services with the resources and services of other groups — federal, state and local,” he added.

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