FAQs
What is the EIGERlab?
The EIGERlab is a newly-created (2004) research and development center at 605 Fulton Avenue in Rockford. Scientists and researchers from three Illinois universities and Alion Science and Technology use the EIGERlab to study advanced manufacturing technologies, such as micro-machining. Start-up assistance for entrepreneurs and incubator space for new businesses is available in the facility.

What is the purpose of the EIGERlab?
The EIGERlab is intended to develop new manufacturing technologies and then turn these into new companies and jobs.

Who is involved in the EIGERlab?
There are many participants, including Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Alion Science and Technology, City of Rockford, State of Illinois (Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity), Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Illinois Technology Development Alliance, Rockford Area Ventures, Abilities Center, and numerous private manufacturers. Other organizations and businesses are welcomed to participate in activities at the lab.

Are the EIGERlab university partners only involved in research?
No. The EIGERlab will provide resources for advanced-manufacturing education and workforce development programs, in addition to technical research. In the future, for example, Northern Illinois University will be working at the EIGERlab with area public schools to provide pre-professional awareness programs for students and related teacher-training activities.

How many people will be employed at the site?
Approximately 30 persons will be working at the EIGERlab on a weekly basis. Special events and programs attract 1,500 participants on an annual basis.

What does the word "EIGER" mean?
EIGER is an acronym for "Edson Ingersoll Gaylord Education & Research". Gaylord was the long-time president of the Ingersoll Milling Machine Company in Rockford and a leader in the field of advanced manufacturing research. The use of "EIGER" honors his memory. Eiger (lower-case letters), of course, is also the name of a mountain peak in the Alps that is popular with climbers. The Eiger peak signifies a pinnacle of Advanced Manufacturing.

What exactly is the relationship between the EIGERlab and Ingersoll?
Ingersoll Machine Tools, Inc. is an investing partner and involved in the EIGERlab in different ways: 1.) It will act as the landlord, providing offices, laboratory space, and experimental equipment. 2.) It is the individual recipient of funding from the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) for micro-machining research that will be conducted in the EIGERlab. Ingersoll submitted a competitive grant proposal to NIST in 2002. The company was notified this spring that the proposal had been approved.

Where is the money for the EIGERlab coming from?
Approximately $5.65 million will be coming from the Federal Government (Department of Defense, NIST, and the Small Business Administration) and $1.6 from the State of Illinois.

Why is the EIGERlab needed?
The Rockford Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has lost more than 13,000 manufacturing jobs since 2001. The EIGERlab is a method to help the Rockford area grow new businesses in emerging fields of manufacturing technology. It will contribute to the revitalization of enterprise in northern Illinois and help to spawn new technology-based businesses.

How do I use the services at the EIGERlab?
There are a number of ways to contact the EIGERlab.
Phone: 815.965.ELAB
E-mail: info@eigerlab.org

How is EIGERlab funded?
Source Recipient Funds Purpose Partners
Congressman Don Manzullo & Dept. of Defense Northern Illinois University Rapid Optimization of Commercial Knowledge (ROCK) $2.25 M Future Combat System Supply Chain Development Alion Regional Manufacturers
NIST Advanced Technology Program Ingersoll Machine Tools $2.0 M Micro-Machining Research University of Illinois & Northwestern University
State of Illinois Opportunity Returns City of Rockford $1.6 M Capital Equipment Purchase EIGERlab Participants
Congressman Don Manzullo & Dept. of Defense Alion Science & Technology Micro-Factories for Precision Parts $1.5 M Micro-Machining Research University of Illinois, Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University
Congressman Don Manzullo & Small Business Administration Rockford Area Ventures Technology Commercialization $1.5 M Technology Transfer & Small-Business Incubator EIGERlab Participants, Private & Public Partners


605 Fulton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103              TEL: 815.965.3522 | FAX: 815.316.6345