The Mcilvaine Company was founded in 1974 by the current President, Robert Mcilvaine. His experience as an executive in the foundry, power and pollution control industries led him to the conclusion that the world needed much more robust knowledge services. The first publications were loose leaf continually updated manuals which were thousands of pages in length and provided much needed knowledge on pollution control subjects.  Over the years it was recognised that the four knowledge needs are Alerts, Answers, Analysis and Advancement. As a result, the manuals were supplemented by newsletters, article abstracts and library support. Consulting support provides the needed analysis. 

Due to interest from the supplier community Mcilvaine expanded into market reports and sales lead tracking. It also expanded into other areas such as energy and contamination control. Presently all services are electronic and include daily, weekly or monthly updates. Hundreds of specific services are available. The digital services are supplemented by streaming media recordings of webinars and decision tree systems with lots of power point displays.

The company employs 35 people.  Most are located in the Northfield, IL office but several are in other locations including California and China. Many employees have more than 10 years experience with the company and several have more than 25 years. Marilyn Mcilvaine, executive vice president joined the company in 1978 subsequent to civil engineering employment.  Some of the newer hires have many years of experience in pollution control refining and other industries. Educational experience includes several types of engineering degrees, science, MBA, law, and liberal arts.  Ross Ardell, Administrative Vice President has more than 20 years with the company and an aeronautical background.

The company also employs part time consultants with specific industry experience. It is recognised that the world’s knowledge resides in niches and that it is desirable to maximize the contribution of niche experts. Some of this expertise is industry oriented.  Some is product oriented and some is geographically and linguistically oriented.

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