Todd Kassal of Illinois: Powering CK RubberTrack’s Growth with Quantum Computing

How One Project Manager is Bringing Advanced Technology into the Heart of Industrial Operations

In the world of industrial manufacturing, “innovation” often means squeezing a little more efficiency out of well-worn processes. But at CK RubberTrack, Project Manager Todd Kassal of Illinois is doing something altogether different: he's introducing quantum computing into the mix—not as a concept for the future, but as a working part of today's operations.

For a company that supplies rubber tracks for construction and agricultural equipment, the stakes are high. Missed deliveries or stockouts can stall multi-million-dollar projects. Thanks to Kassal’s efforts, CK RubberTrack is turning these challenges into competitive advantages using the power of quantum-enhanced decision-making.

The Challenge: Complexity in Every Direction

CK RubberTrack’s business model revolves around manufacturing and distributing rubber tracks used in everything from mini-excavators to skid steer loaders. That might sound simple, but the logistical challenges are anything but.

“Each order we fulfill is a complex equation,” says Kassal. “You've got part specifications, regional demand trends, material sourcing, shipping variables, and workforce availability all overlapping.”

In a traditional environment, managing these factors often involves spreadsheets, experience, and a little luck. But Kassal recognized early on that this complexity was an ideal candidate for quantum computing—a field built specifically to solve problems involving massive combinations of variables.

Quantum-Inspired Tools Deliver Real-Time Intelligence

While full-scale quantum computers are still emerging, Kassal has leaned into quantum-inspired algorithms that run on classical systems. These tools use the same mathematical logic as quantum processors to solve tough optimization and simulation problems at speed.

For example, CK RubberTrack now uses quantum modeling to forecast demand across dozens of regions and product types—calculating the likelihood of spikes or dips with greater accuracy than ever before. In turn, Kassal has reduced overproduction, prevented shortfalls, and made inventory more agile.

“It's not about predicting the future perfectly,” he says. “It’s about narrowing the uncertainty window so we can act faster and smarter than our competitors.”

Optimizing the Supply Chain—Down to the Hour

Perhaps the most visible impact of Kassal’s strategy is in supply chain logistics. With parts and materials coming from multiple countries and customers relying on fast fulfillment, the room for error is slim.

Kassal now uses quantum-enhanced route and supplier optimization models to choose the best possible paths for raw materials and final products. These models consider hundreds of shifting factors—customs delays, fuel prices, port congestion, weather patterns—and make adjustments on the fly.

In one case, the system identified a looming delay at a key shipping port and recommended an alternate route before the disruption hit. That adjustment alone saved CK RubberTrack an estimated 12 days in delivery time and kept a high-profile customer on schedule.

Smarter Project Management from the Ground Up

It’s not just logistics that Kassal is rethinking—he’s also transforming internal project planning using quantum tools.

CK RubberTrack’s initiatives—from facility upgrades to product launches—involve hundreds of variables, deadlines, and resources. Traditionally, project timelines would be mapped manually or through basic software, often leading to delays or resource clashes.

Now, using quantum-inspired scheduling algorithms, Kassal maps out the most efficient sequences of tasks, identifies where risks are likely to occur, and tests alternate timelines—all before the project begins.

“We’re building our schedules the way an engineer might build a bridge—by modeling loads, stresses, and contingency plans in advance,” Kassal explains. “The payoff is fewer surprises and faster completions.”

Cultivating a Culture of Technological Confidence

One of Kassal’s less obvious achievements is cultural. He’s helped CK RubberTrack embrace a data-first, experiment-friendly mindset, where decisions are backed by simulations and analytics rather than gut instinct alone.

This shift has not only improved accuracy across departments but has also empowered team members to ask better questions, identify bottlenecks earlier, and respond to change with more confidence.

“Quantum computing gave us the tools,” Kassal says. “But curiosity and collaboration—that’s what turned it into a competitive edge.”

Looking Ahead: The Next Frontier—Quantum Materials

Kassal is already planning the next leap forward: applying quantum computing to materials science.

By simulating how rubber compounds behave at a molecular level under different pressures, temperatures, and wear conditions, CK RubberTrack could soon develop new track formulas with enhanced durability and performance. These simulations would normally take weeks or months on traditional systems—but quantum modeling can do it in a fraction of the time.

“It’s not just about operating better,” Kassal says. “It’s about building better products. This is where quantum will take us next.”

A Model for Mid-Sized Manufacturers Everywhere

Todd Kassal’s work is a powerful reminder that you don’t need a billion-dollar R&D budget to leverage advanced technology. With curiosity, initiative, and the right tools, companies like CK RubberTrack can move faster, work smarter, and deliver more value in less time.

By applying quantum computing in a targeted, results-oriented way, Kassal has turned a traditional manufacturing operation into a tech-enabled, data-driven powerhouse—without losing touch with the grounded, practical spirit that defines the industrial Midwest.

“We didn’t adopt quantum because it sounded cool,” he says. “We adopted it because it solved problems that were slowing us down. And now we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading.”

Final Thought:
With leaders like Todd Kassal at the helm, the future of manufacturing won’t just be automated—it’ll be optimized. And it might just be quantum.