Todd Kassal of Illinois Brings Quantum Computing to CK RubberTrack

How a Midwest Manufacturing Leader Is Turning Advanced Tech into Practical Advantage

In the fast-moving world of industrial manufacturing, staying ahead of the curve requires more than grit and experience—it demands vision. Todd Kassal, Illinois-based Project Manager at CK RubberTrack, is proving that you don’t need to be a Silicon Valley tech giant to harness cutting-edge innovation. His secret weapon? Quantum computing.

By applying quantum-inspired algorithms and optimization tools to CK RubberTrack’s daily operations, Kassal is delivering results where it counts most: inventory control, supply chain efficiency, and delivery timelines. It’s a bold approach that’s redefining what project management looks like in traditional industries.

From Heavy Machinery to Heavy Data

CK RubberTrack specializes in manufacturing and distributing rubber tracks for construction and agricultural equipment. That might sound like a long way from the bleeding edge of computer science—but according to Kassal, it’s exactly where quantum computing shines.

“We deal with a huge number of moving parts—literally and figuratively,” Kassal says. “From forecasting demand to coordinating logistics to managing material availability, the complexity builds quickly. That’s where quantum models give us an edge.”

Instead of managing each piece of the puzzle independently, Kassal uses quantum optimization tools to simulate entire systems—predicting outcomes, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing the most efficient paths forward.

Quantum-Inspired Forecasting: Predicting Demand with Precision

In manufacturing, understanding what customers will want—and when—is everything. Traditionally, CK RubberTrack relied on historical data and seasonal trends to make these decisions. Kassal has taken that further by integrating quantum-enhanced forecasting models.

These models can analyze more variables at once than traditional tools, factoring in global shipping disruptions, weather patterns, regional construction booms, and even competitor behavior. The result: more accurate demand predictions and smarter production planning.

“Forecasting used to be a blend of experience and guesswork,” Kassal explains. “Now, we’re working with probabilities and simulations that narrow the margin of error significantly. It’s not perfect—but it’s a major improvement.”

Supply Chain Optimization Gets a Quantum Boost

One of the most valuable use cases Kassal has implemented involves supply chain logistics. With dozens of suppliers and shipping routes to consider, choosing the right timing, partners, and modes of transport is a massive challenge.

Quantum algorithms—particularly those designed for combinatorial optimization—help Kassal model thousands of possible delivery routes and schedules. The system selects the combination that minimizes cost while maximizing speed and reliability.

“Sometimes it’s about avoiding a port delay in LA, or choosing rail over truck during fuel surges,” Kassal says. “The quantum models give us scenarios we wouldn't think of on our own.”

The result? Faster delivery times, fewer stockouts, and better cost control—benefits that directly improve customer satisfaction and company margins.

Project Management Reimagined

Beyond logistics and forecasting, Kassal is applying quantum principles to project scheduling itself. Managing new product rollouts or facility upgrades involves balancing hundreds of constraints: labor, budget, machine downtime, and supplier lead times.

Using quantum annealing simulations, Kassal can test multiple project timelines simultaneously, finding the path that delivers the fastest completion without overloading resources.

“Instead of firefighting delays, we’re anticipating them and building in solutions ahead of time,” he says. “It’s like time-travel for project management.”

Internal reports show a reduction in project delays by as much as 25% since Kassal began integrating these tools.

Not Just for Tech Giants Anymore

Quantum computing often conjures images of futuristic labs and inaccessible hardware. But Kassal is part of a growing movement of practical adopters—professionals in manufacturing, logistics, and engineering who are using “quantum-inspired” models that run on today’s machines.

“These aren’t science fiction tools anymore,” Kassal insists. “They’re available now, and they make a real difference—even if you’re a company based in the Midwest, working in construction equipment.”

By staying on top of emerging platforms, including APIs from companies like D-Wave, Rigetti, and IBM, Kassal ensures CK RubberTrack gets early access to tools that improve decision-making across the board.

Leading by Example

Perhaps the most important lesson from Todd Kassal’s work is this: you don’t have to wait for the future to act like it’s already here.

While competitors focus on cost-cutting or chasing traditional metrics, Kassal is investing in smarter tools that amplify human judgment. His willingness to blend curiosity with execution has turned CK RubberTrack into more than just a reliable supplier—it’s becoming a case study in applied innovation.

Looking ahead, Kassal plans to explore quantum applications in material design, with the potential to engineer longer-lasting, more efficient rubber compounds for heavy-duty applications.

“The more we can simulate at the atomic level, the faster we can innovate our products,” he says. “And when we combine that with the operational improvements we’ve already made, we’re building something really resilient.”

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Smart Manufacturing

Todd Kassal’s journey proves that quantum computing isn’t just for researchers in lab coats—it’s for anyone ready to use better tools to solve complex problems. By embracing this mindset, he’s turning CK RubberTrack into a smarter, faster, and more resilient business.

As more mid-size companies look for ways to stay competitive, Kassal’s approach offers a powerful blueprint: Start with what’s available, focus on real problems, and let the tech work for you.

In a world where innovation moves fast, Kassal is ensuring CK RubberTrack moves faster.