Category: Technology

Chicago Contract Manufacturer Recognized for Excellence in Innovation, Business Practices, and Contributions to the Regional Manufacturing Ecosystem.

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Hatch Product Development & Contract Manufacturing, a Chicago-area contract manufacturer specializing in product development and manufacturing for emerging and established hardware companies, has been named Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year at the 2026 Fourth Revolution Awards, hosted by mHUB.

The award recognizes a small or mid-sized manufacturer that has demonstrated excellence in business practices, innovative processes, productivity improvements, and contributions to the local manufacturing community. Hatch was selected as the winner from a group of five finalists and honored during an awards ceremony held at Venue West in Chicago on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Hosted by mHUB, the Fourth Revolution Awards celebrate organizations shaping the future of manufacturing as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where physical product development converges with digital technologies such as automation, cloud computing, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and connected hardware.

“Hatch was founded on the belief that innovative hardware companies need engineering and manufacturing working together from day one,” said Addison Merchut, Co-President and Co-Founder of Hatch. “We are proud to help bring new technologies to market and honored to be recognized by mHUB alongside so many companies advancing the future of manufacturing.”

“Hatch represents the new generation of manufacturers that are bridging product development and production,” said Haven Allen, CEO and Co-Founder of mHUB. “Their work helps hardware innovators bring complex products to market faster while strengthening the region’s manufacturing ecosystem.”

Located just outside Chicago, Hatch provides end-to-end support for hardware companies, including product design, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing setup, supply chain development, and contract manufacturing. The company works with startups and established organizations across industries including medical technology, consumer products, industrial IoT, fitness technology, automotive systems, and connected devices.

Hatch’s manufacturing capabilities include low- to high-volume production, engineering pilot builds, environmental stress screening, manufacturing test development, cable assembly, manufacturing tooling, product certification testing, and full supply chain management.

The company has grown rapidly since its founding, building a global engineering team and an ISO-certified manufacturing operation that supports complex product launches.

Hatch extends its gratitude to the judges for the Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturer of the Year category:
• Emily Souza Rutkowski, VP of Strategic Initiatives & PMO, World Business Chicago
• Adrienne McFarland, Center Director, Illinois SBDC at Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
• Bob Daniel-Wayman, Engineer In Residence, mHUB

About Hatch Product Development
Hatch Product Development is a global product development and manufacturing firm with the business acumen, industry network, and combined engineering experience to produce products for a wide variety of highly-regulated industries in accelerated timelines. Located just outside of Chicago with an international team, Hatch offers a full range of services to bring your product from concept to production. Comprised of a team who has over 25 years of product development and manufacturing experience and a modern top-tier vendor network, Hatch is passionate about efficiently hatching new products with passionate entrepreneurs and visionary leaders.

Addison Merchut
Hatch Product Development
email us here

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High school students from Missouri and Kansas competed in Project MFG’s welding competition hosted at MCC–Penn Valley, and explored skilled trades careers.

KANSAS CITY, MO, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Project MFG, in partnership with Metropolitan Community College–Penn Valley’s Advanced Technical Skills Institute (ATSI), hosted a High School Student Community Welding Competition and Career Discovery Event on March 6, 2026, at the ATSI campus located at 2944 Troost Ave. in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event brought together 15 high school student competitors from across the greater Kansas City region to participate in a hands-on welding challenge designed to test precision, technique, and overall quality of work. Competitors represented four local institutions: Fort Osage High School in Jackson County, Missouri; Cass Career Center in Harrisonville, Missouri; Olathe Advanced Technical Center in Olathe, Kansas; and Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas.

During the competition, students completed a welding project based on a model of a Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). The project required students to demonstrate welding technique, fitment, accuracy, and craftsmanship while completing the assignment within a set timeframe.

Top performers in the competition were recognized for their exceptional work:

First Place: Burke Koehn, Fort Osage High School

Second Place: Brayden Wagoner, Olathe Advanced Technical Center

Third Place: Cameron Price, Cass Career Center

In addition to the competition, approximately 35 middle school students from area schools participated in Project MFG’s Career Discovery experience. The program was designed to introduce younger students to high-demand career opportunities in the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing industries.

Students participating in the Career Discovery event had the opportunity to tour the live welding competition, speak with representatives from the American Welding Society, and learn about educational pathways available through MCC–Penn Valley’s Advanced Technical Skills Institute. Participants also visited MCC’s JE Dunn Construction Lab.

“This event highlights the incredible talent of students across our region and reinforces the critical role skilled trades play in strengthening our workforce,” said Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Chancellor of Metropolitan Community College. “Through our partnership with Project MFG, we are creating meaningful, hands-on experiences that inspire students to pursue high-demand careers in the skilled trades.”

Project MFG leaders emphasized the importance of providing students with early exposure to career opportunities in technical and trade fields.

“Our mission is to elevate the next generation of skilled trade professionals,” said John Hawkins, Project Manager for Project MFG. “By hosting competitions and immersive career discovery events like this, we help students better understand the value, opportunity, and pride associated with careers in the trades.”

The event reflects the ongoing collaboration between Metropolitan Community College and Project MFG to expand workforce development initiatives and strengthen industry connections throughout the Kansas City region.

About Metropolitan Community College–Penn Valley Advanced Technical Skills Institute: The Advanced Technical Skills Institute at Metropolitan Community College–Penn Valley provides hands-on training and education in high-demand technical fields, preparing students for careers in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Learn more at https://mcckc.edu/campuses/penn-valley/advanced-technical-skills-institute.aspx

ABOUT PROJECT MFG: Project MFG shines a light on the need and opportunities for skilled trades by focusing on the development of new talent to provide a path forward for individuals and our country. As an integrated workforce development and recruitment effort, Project MFG collaborates across communities, the private sector, and government to expand the U.S. industrial base workforce. Learn more at projectmfg.com.

Hayley Grove
Project MFG
+1 630-364-9537
email us here
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Sketch Lab Factory rejects digital automation, offering hand-drawn political cartoons and concept art where the human hand remains the primary creative tool.

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As the creative world shifts toward digital automation and artificial intelligence, illustrator Corey Allen is taking a stand for the “original state” of artistry. Today marks the official global launch of Sketch Lab Factory, a one-person studio built on the belief that the hand still matters in a world dominated by computers.

Based in the United States but serving a worldwide market, Sketch Lab Factory specializes in authentic, hand-drawn artwork. The studio’s portfolio spans a diverse range of disciplines, including high-stakes political cartoons, intricate character design, visionary concept art, and raw graffiti art. Drawing inspiration from many great artists such as Kim Jung Gi and Sanford Greene, Allen has expanded his repertoire to include custom hand-drawn album covers for both independent and commercial artists.

The launch follows a major milestone for Allen, who was recently selected to feature his work in the fifteenth Times Square Billboard Visual Arts Showcase on February 15, alongside 25 other artists. This achievement highlights Allen’s unique position in the industry as a solo creator who does not cater to the system or traditional digital shortcuts.

Unlike modern studios that rely on digital pads or software shortcuts, Corey Allen’s process is entirely analog. This commitment to traditional craftsmanship provides a distinct, “organic” aesthetic that stands out in a crowded digital landscape.

“I don’t compete with competition, I compete with myself,” says Allen regarding his dedication to his craft. This internal drive for excellence ensures that every project, whether for a private collector or a commercial brand, receives a level of personal detail that machines cannot replicate.

Sketch Lab Factory is now open for international commissions and collaborations.

About Sketch Lab Factory

Sketch Lab Factory is a professional one-person illustration studio founded by artist Corey Allen. The company provides a wide array of hand-drawn artistic services, specializing in traditional sketching techniques for character design and political commentary.

Corey Allen
Sketch Lab Factory
+ 18138502238
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Instagram

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NuKase by NuGerm Emerges as Leading Compliance Solution for Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act (HB 340), Already Deployed in 40+ Districts Nationwide

BOCA RATON, FL, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — With Georgia’s landmark Distraction-Free Education Act (House Bill 340) now signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, every public K–8 school district in the state faces a firm mandate: establish bell-to-bell phone ban policies by January 1, 2026, and have full implementation in place by July 1, 2026. For thousands of school administrators scrambling to find a compliant, practical, and durable solution, NuGerm has an answer already field-tested in districts across the country: the NuKase — the only lockable phone case built exclusively for multi-year K–12 deployment and backed by a full 3-year warranty.

Georgia HB 340: What Schools Must Do Now

Passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law in April 2025, Georgia’s Distraction-Free Education Act prohibits K–8 students from accessing personal electronic devices — including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and wireless earbuds — from the first bell to the last bell of every school day. The law covers instructional time, breaks, transitions, and school-sponsored activities.

Rep. Chris Erwin (R–Homer), House Education Committee Chair and bill sponsor, framed the law simply: schools are not banning phones outright — they are ensuring that from bell to bell, students remain focused in the classroom. The legislation requires districts to adopt storage and enforcement policies, with exceptions carved out for students with IEPs, 504 plans, or documented medical needs.

The stakes are clear. A statewide survey by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators found that nearly 70 percent of middle school teachers identified cellphone use and social media as major issues in their schools. State Superintendent Richard Woods has noted that schools that proactively removed phones are already reporting improved behavior and stronger academic outcomes.

With compliance deadlines approaching fast, districts need a solution that is easy to deploy, durable enough to last the school year — and beyond — and straightforward enough for every student and teacher to use without disruption.

The NuKase 4.0: Built for Exactly This Moment

Designed exclusively for K–12 schools, the NuKase is a military-grade polycarbonate phone case featuring a pick-proof lock bar that no student can defeat — no pins, no tools, no workarounds. A frosted front-and-back design confirms a phone is secured inside without exposing the screen, giving teachers immediate visual compliance without invasive device checks.

Locking takes one finger. Unlocking takes seconds with a handheld or wall-mounted magnetic detacher. Students keep possession of their phones at all times, eliminating storage room liability, device disputes, and confiscation chaos for administrators. The case wipes clean with soap and water and absorbs zero odor or liquid — staying hygienic throughout the full school year.

Unlike fabric pouches that wear out or lock bars that students learn to pick, NuKase was engineered to perform on day one and still perform for years. It is the only lockable phone case on the market backed by a full 3-year warranty — and it carries no subscription fees, no annual renewals, and no hidden costs. Districts budget once.

Key product specifications:
• Pick-proof magnetic lock bar — cannot be bypassed with pins, tools, or student ingenuity
• Frosted finish — confirms phone is inside without exposing screen content
• Military-grade polycarbonate shell — survives daily drops, backpacks, and locker impacts
• One-finger slide locks; magnetic detacher unlocks in seconds
• Wipes clean with soap and water; zero odor or liquid absorption
• Students keep possession at all times — no storage liability
• 3-year warranty — the only lockable case with full multi-year coverage
• No subscriptions or annual fees — lowest total cost of ownership

A Deployment Framework That Sets Schools Up to Succeed
NuGerm doesn’t just ship cases — it partners with schools through a structured rollout framework developed over 12 years of exclusive K–12 experience. The NuKase Deployment Guide walks principals, assistant principals, and operations teams through every stage: establishing school-wide policy, preparing staff, distributing and tracking cases, positioning locking and unlocking stations, communicating with parents and students, and reinforcing compliance during the critical first 30 days.

The system is designed so that teachers are never put in the position of enforcing the phone policy. Visual compliance is sufficient — if a phone is seen outside a NuKase, teachers refer to administration. Enforcement stays with leadership, consistency stays school-wide, and classroom disruptions drop to near zero.

NuGerm also provides ready-to-use introduction letters for staff, parents, and students that schools can customize and send on day one — addressing emergency access protocols, medical accommodations, and compliance expectations before a single question is asked.

Georgia Schools Already Seeing Results

“We knew HB 340 was coming, and we needed a solution that would actually hold up — not just for a month, but for the long haul. The NuKase gave us exactly that. Our teachers don’t have to police phones anymore. Students walk in, lock up, and class starts. The difference in classroom atmosphere has been immediate and significant. For any Georgia district looking to get into compliance without the headaches, the NuKase is the right call.”
— Assistant Principal, Metro Atlanta K–8 School

Proven at Scale. Ready for Georgia.

NuGerm has deployed more than 145,000 NuKase units across 40+ school districts nationwide, achieving compliance rates above 95 percent. The company has been exclusively focused on schools for over 12 years — longer than any comparable product on the market. That singular focus means the NuKase is not a general consumer product adapted for schools; it was engineered from the ground up for the realities of daily school life.

For Georgia’s K–8 districts facing a January 2026 policy deadline and July 2026 full implementation, the window to evaluate, procure, and deploy is narrow. NuGerm is actively working with Georgia districts now and encourages school leaders to request a free sample to evaluate the product firsthand before committing to a district-wide rollout.

Request a Free Sample

Georgia school leaders can request a complimentary NuKase 4.0 sample at www.NuGerm.com or by contacting the NuGerm team directly. See it, test it, and make an informed procurement decision before the 2026 compliance deadline.

About NuGerm

NuGerm is the maker of the NuKase, the leading phone-free classroom solution built exclusively for K–12 schools. With 145,000+ cases deployed across 40+ districts and 12+ years of K–12-only experience, NuGerm delivers the only lockable phone case backed by a full 3-year warranty and zero subscription fees.

James Koch
NuGerm
+1 561-462-2041
email us here

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Growing interest in conductive textiles and grounding bedding highlights the expanding role of materials science in modern sleep technology

AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, March 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Innovations in sleep technology are increasingly expanding beyond traditional mattresses and wearable devices toward advanced materials used directly in bedding. One area gaining attention is conductive textiles, a class of fabrics designed to transmit small electrical charges and used in products such as grounding sheets and conductive bedding systems.

EcoHeal, a wellness brand focused on grounding technology and conductive sleep textiles, reports growing interest in bedding products that incorporate conductive materials designed to interact with the body’s natural electrical state during sleep.

More information about EcoHeal and its grounding bedding technology is available at
[https://ecoheal.net](https://ecoheal.net)

Conductive textiles are fabrics engineered with materials capable of transmitting small electrical charges. In sleep applications, these fabrics often integrate conductive fibers such as silver threads woven directly into cotton or other textile blends. The result is a conductive fabric surface that can be used in bedding products including grounding sheets, mattress covers, sleep systems, and other textile components designed for direct skin contact.

Additional information about grounding sheets and conductive bedding systems can be found at
[https://ecoheal.net/pages/grounding-sheets](https://ecoheal.net/pages/grounding-sheets)

According to EcoHeal, the concept behind conductive bedding is associated with grounding, sometimes referred to as earthing. Grounding describes the practice of establishing an electrical connection between the human body and the Earth’s natural electrical potential.

Historically, people maintained this connection through walking barefoot outdoors or sleeping close to natural surfaces. In modern indoor environments, however, individuals often spend most of their time in insulated buildings and wear footwear that reduces direct contact with the ground.

Grounding bedding systems are designed to recreate this connection indoors. Conductive grounding sheets typically contain silver conductive fibers that allow the body to connect electrically with the Earth when the sheet is attached to a grounded outlet through a grounding cable.

“Conductive textiles represent an interesting intersection between materials science and sleep technology,” said a spokesperson for EcoHeal. “When conductive fibers are integrated into bedding fabrics, textiles themselves can become part of a grounding system while still maintaining the comfort and softness expected from modern sleep products.”

Interest in grounding sheets and conductive bedding has expanded across wellness communities, sleep optimization groups, and biohacking circles, where users discuss grounding as part of broader approaches to improving sleep environments and nighttime comfort.

Unlike wearable sleep trackers or electronic sleep devices, conductive grounding bedding systems function as passive elements within the sleep environment. They do not require batteries, software, or wireless connectivity, relying instead on the conductive properties of textile fibers integrated into the fabric.

EcoHeal notes that the simplicity of textile-based grounding systems is one factor contributing to growing interest in conductive sleep technology.

Typical grounding bedding systems include conductive grounding sheets made with silver fibers, grounding cables used to connect bedding to a grounded outlet, and conductivity testers used to verify electrical connection.

Many grounding sheets are designed for direct skin contact, which is why they are commonly used either as fitted sheets or as the top layer of bedding.

While conductive textiles have long been used in fields such as wearable electronics, medical sensors, and aerospace engineering, their application in consumer bedding is a more recent development. As sleep technology companies explore new approaches to optimizing sleep environments, textile-based innovations are increasingly being considered alongside smart mattresses, cooling bedding, and wearable sleep monitoring devices.

Industry observers note that the global sleep technology sector continues to grow as consumers search for new ways to improve sleep quality and nighttime comfort. Within this expanding market, conductive textiles and grounding bedding systems may represent an emerging category at the intersection of materials science, wellness technology, and modern sleep environments.

EcoHeal believes that conductive grounding bedding will continue to attract attention as consumers explore non-invasive ways to optimize their sleep environments.

About EcoHeal

EcoHeal is a wellness brand specializing in grounding technology, conductive textiles, and grounding bedding systems. The company develops sleep products that integrate conductive fibers into bedding fabrics, allowing grounding practices to be incorporated into modern indoor lifestyles.

Learn more about EcoHeal grounding technology at
[https://ecoheal.net](https://ecoheal.net)

ECOHEAL Press Office
SILVER LINE LLC (ECOHEAL)
+ +1 307 683 8052
sales@ecoheal.net

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