From the tech-driven east to the fertile farmlands of the west, each of Illinois’ 10 regions contribute unique strengths to the state’s robust economy, fueling a dynamic synergy that attracts global investment. In 2023, this teamwork secured an impressive 552 corporate projects, propelling Illinois to the No. 2 spot in Site Selection magazine’s prestigious Governor’s Cup. The data show that this success isn’t limited to one area alone: Communities across Illinois are ripe with the infrastructure, workforce and development tools expanding businesses are searching for.
Northeast
When most people think of Illinois, more often than not, the bright lights of the Chicago skyline come to mind. Brimming with over 7 million people, nearly 100,000 licensed businesses and numerous Fortune 500 headquarters, including Boeing, Kraft Heinz, United Airlines and JLL, the Windy City is an epicenter of the American economy. Known as the third-largest city in the country, the Chicago area is bustling with businesses and with numerous museums, theaters and restaurants, offering a lively blend of industry and quality of life.
This atmosphere stretches beyond the city limits, influencing life throughout Northeastern Illinois. Naperville, Aurora, Joliet and Elgin are among the various communities with thriving economies that attract attention from investors.
Over the last few years, the city of Aurora has announced several data center projects from Google Cloud and CyrusOne. Edged Energy, a subsidiary of Endeavour, broke ground on a new state-of-the-art data center campus in May 2023.
Unlike traditional data centers which put significant pressure on the power grid and consume nearly 136 billion gallons of water each year in the U.S. alone, Edged Chicago-Aurora will feature waterless cooling technology designed to handle high-density loads (up to 50 kW/rack in air-cooled configurations and greater densities with liquid cooling plug-in components) yet consumes no water. This methodology is expected to strengthen the local grid while remaining carbon neutral.
This project will be Edged Energy’s first data center development in Illinois and is expected to consist of three buildings across 65 acres. The first will be completed in June 2024 and once the entire campus is completed will boast 100 MW of capacity.
The initial press release states that ComEd, the electrical company serving northern Illinois, is providing the infrastructure needed to power the new data center campus from its nearby regional substation. Additionally, Seefried and Edged Energy will be adding a new substation onsite to support future phases of the development.
Illinois State University, Normal
Photo courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism
North Central
With a workforce of over 300,000 and various institutions of higher learning, including Illinois State University, Bradley University and the University of Illinois Medical School, North Central Illinois fuels employee pipelines for an array of industries.
Due to this resource, alongside the region’s strong logistic capabilities and extensive background in manufacturing, many notable brands boast operations in communities such as Morton, Peoria, Bloomington and Normal. From Caterpillar and Rivian to Ferrero and Nestle, household names have established facilities and continued to expand in the area.
For the last 28 years, Peoria has served as the home base for one of the world’s fastest growing high-end eyewear companies, Maui Jim. Founded in Hawaii, the company made the move to Illinois in 1996 after acquiring its former Peoria-based mainland distributor and has since stayed firmly planted in the city. So much so that when the company decided to expand its operations in fall 2023, it selected a site as close to home as one can get.
On 80 acres across the street from its headquarters, Maui Jim is investing $80 million into a new 150,000-sq.-ft. building. The company plans for $50 million to go toward creating labs, manufacturing, distribution, logistics and office space, $20 million for fixtures and the remaining $10 million will be used for site improvements, land acquisitions and roadway work.
This announcement comes only a year after Maui Jim was acquired by Kering Eyewear, showcasing a continued commitment to North Central Illinois.
“Being a company that was created here and really took off, I think that we’re very proud to see that we have the hundreds of Maui Jim employees here in Peoria that are working, and we’re very excited that Kering Eyewear is going to have a footprint here as well, and that hopefully we’ll see that number continues to grow,” said Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich.
In support of this project, the Peoria City Council unanimously approved a redevelopment agreement with Maui Jim in which the city will reimburse 85% of the company’s property taxes related to improvements. The remaining 15% of those reimbursements will go to the Dunlap School District.
Central
Located smack dab in the center of the state, Central Illinois is a melting pot for many of the industries that contribute to Illinois’ diverse economy. From manufacturing, food processing and mining to business services, medical devices and health care, the 12 counties within this region serve a broad range of businesses, varying in size and specialty.
And as America pivots toward a greener future, Illinois is beginning to usher in new industries to meet evolving needs. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these emerging sectors are anchoring new facilities in Central Illinois.
Broadwing Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Warwick Carbon Solutions, is developing a first-of-its-kind power and steam facility in Decatur. Fueled by a $1 billion investment, this new-age concept is expected to capture over 90% of CO2 emissions with a combination of CO2 removal technology.
The plans for this project also call for Warwick to build and operate a natural gas power plant that will provide both electricity and steam to agribusiness leader Archer Daniels Midland’s (ADM) Decatur processing operations, using removal technology to capture CO2 emissions, which will then be safely and permanently stored underground using ADM’s Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) capabilities. The goal is to capture over 90% of CO2 emissions and potentially sequester more than 2 million tons of CO2 annually.
With construction expected to begin in 2025, Warwick plans to hire around 1,000 construction employees as well as 24 permanent positions once the facility is completed in 2028.
“Broadwing Energy demonstrates Decatur’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation, and industrial growth is not possible without the necessary utility infrastructure to support it,” said Nicole Bateman, President of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. “Broadwing impacts our community directly through the construction of the new facility and immediate job creation, which reinforces our collective efforts to train the next generation of both construction and tech workers. This power plant is an investment in the growth potential of our entire region.”
Illinois Research Park interns at the 2024 Research Park Career Fair
Photo courtesy of University of Illinois Research Park
East Central
Last September, Incobrasa Industries, a leader in soybean processing, commenced construction on the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Gilman. Backed by an investment of $250 million, Icobrasa plans to build a new 170,000-sq.-ft. soybean crushing facility, enabling the company to make greater use of the vast supply of soybeans that is available in Illinois, which is the largest soybean producer in the United States.
As part of the expansion, the company received an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit and plans to create 40 full-time jobs while retaining 200 jobs in the state.
n addition to the new facility, Icobrasa is constructing a 50-acre solar array, which will have the capacity to generate 5 megawatts of energy to help fuel the plant and feed the grid.
While many communities in East Central Illinois are agricultural powerhouses, the region is also an engine for groundbreaking discoveries. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, located in the heart of this region, plays a crucial role in this regard.
Known as one of the top research institutions in the country, UIUC is a hub for the development of next-generation technologies. With leading Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and Biomedical programs, UIUC attracts exceptional students as well as innovative companies.
At the Research Park at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a leading hub for corporate research and startup development, technology-based businesses have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and students as well as utilize university labs, equipment and services. More than 120 companies, including over 70 homegrown startups, are currently located at the Research Park, employing over 2,100 employees and 800 student interns.
Rockford, Illinois
Photo: Getty Images / DenisTangneyJr
Northern Stateline
The Northern Stateline is abundant in engineering talent, boasting over 56,000 engineers within a 50-mile radius of the Rockford metropolitan area alone. According to the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, engineering positions account for 1.7% of the metro’s total employment — 31% higher than the national average.
This fact is greatly fueled by the region’s ever-growing aerospace cluster. Over 250 companies and 11 tier-one suppliers affiliated with this industry are located within a 90-mile radius of the metro, creating the No. 6 largest concentration of aerospace employment in the nation.
Collins Aerospace recently expanded its Rockford facility to include a new $50 million advanced power electric systems lab, dubbed “The Grid.” Described as an “engineers’ playground,” the remodeled 25,000-sq.-ft. space will develop and produce cutting-edge motors, controllers, generators and distribution systems for the next generation of electric-powered commercial and military aircraft. The Grid has an initial test capability of 8 megawatts and is expected to go up to 15 megawatts. Collins expects this facility to play a major role in the aviation industry’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
To additionally support the company’s clean energy goal, Collins broke ground in April on a 6.5-acre solar farm at its Rockford operations, which will be owned and operated by ENGIE North America (ENGIE) as part of a 15-year power purchase agreement.
This addition will help supply roughly 10% of the Rockford Plant 6 facility’s electricity needs yearly, reducing the plant’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent of taking 357 gasoline-powered cars off the road for one year.
Great River Trail, Rock Island
Photo courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism
Northwest
Once considered the American heartland’s hidden gem, the Quad Cities are swiftly gaining attention as a desirable place to do business. Comprising Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, the region fosters a collaborative environment, working together to accelerate development.
In 2023, the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island metro secured 27 corporate expansion projects, ranking No.5 in Site Selection magazine’s Top Mississippi Corridor Metros by total projects. According to the Quad Cities Chamber, last year’s investments totaled more than $393 million and created 457 new jobs within many of the region’s five target industries: advanced metals & materials manufacturing, agricultural innovation, logistics, corporate operations & support services and defense.
One of the metro’s most recent wins includes the $22 million expansion of Parr Instrument Company’s operations in Moline. Anchored in the city since 1911, the company will more than double its existing facility. The project is expected to provide annual economic impact of over $80.3 million.
With the added space, Parr will be able to increase capacity for its laboratory research equipment, which includes calorimeters, pressure vessels and chemical reactors, as well as retain the location’s 94 employees.
“Parr is a great example of manufacturing in the Quad Cities. They make very unique products and have a very specialized workforce,” said Chris Caves, Vice President of Business and Economic Growth at the Quad Cities Chamber in April. “They’re expanding their markets and their product offerings right here in Moline. It’s a really encouraging investment in our region. It takes many partners to bring a project of this size and scope to reality.”
Eastern Illinois University’s campus in Charleston
Photo courtesy of Eastern Illinois University
Southeast
Eastern Illinois University (EIU), located in Charleston, is a key educational institution in the region, significantly contributing to the local economy and industry. The university’s economic output in 2024 totaled over $371 million, more than 4,500 jobs and $53.8 million in public revenue, according to EIU’s 2024 Economic Impact Study.
While agriculture and manufacturing remain cornerstones of the region’s economy, EIU offers a range of programs — including Business Analytics, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Digital Media Technology — designed to meet the growing need for skilled professionals in up-and-coming fields. And through the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology, EIU has established the Industry Partners Program (IPP), which connects companies seeking new talent for internships or full-time positions with trained students and graduates.
Through grant support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Small Business Development Lead Center, EIU launched its first Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) last April. Located in Mattoon, the university has partnered with Elevate Coles County Innovation Center (CCIC) on this initiative to broaden access to professional business advising, training, and state and federal resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region.
In addition to this location, EIU plans to open a second SBDC in Effingham this summer. Together, both EIU SBDC centers will serve eight counties: Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Moultrie and Shelby.
“The Illinois SBDC at Eastern Illinois University is here to cheer on local entrepreneurs, support economic growth, and celebrate the spirit of innovation in our community,” said Amy Patrick, director of EIU’s SBDC. “Whether you need help running a business, coming up with marketing ideas, figuring out finances or planning for the future, the SBDC at EIU will have your back.”
Southern Illinois University Carbondale aviation students.
Photo courtesy of Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Southern
Home to four of the state’s 13 Port Districts, three Class I railroads and three interstate highways, Southern Illinois’ robust infrastructure supports the distribution and manufacturing of numerous products across the country. Situated between two of the nation’s mightiest rivers, the Mississippi and Ohio, this region offers an expansive logistics network that many companies are eager to capitalize on.
In June 2023, Manner Polymers announced the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon. Prominent brands like Pepsi, Walgreens and Continental Tire boast operations near the city, contributing to the area’s strong manufacturing reputation.
Bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) incentive package, Manner Polymers plans to invest $54 million into this project. Expected to span 80,000 sq. ft., this new facility will produce an assortment of PVC compounds, including automotive PVC compounds for use in electric vehicles (EVs) and components for solar panels at this location. A 15-acre on-site solar field will also power the facility.
“Not only will we incorporate the most advanced manufacturing control systems available, but we will also produce substantially all of the electricity that we use,” said Raj Bhargava, CEO of Manner Polymers. “Our objective is to build the lowest cost, highest quality, most environmentally sustainable flexible PVC compounding plant in the world.”
Once Manner Polymers completes the project in the fall of 2025, it will be able to increase its production capacity by 100 million pounds, strengthening the domestic supply chain for various high-demand industries.
The company is also expected to create over 60 new jobs, drawing on Southern Illinois’ skilled talent pool to fill these positions. With a strong history in manufacturing and one of the top automotive programs in the country located at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), the region offers workers at the various skill levels necessary to support the growth of electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers.
Great River Trail, Rock Island
Photo courtesy of Illinois Office of Tourism
Southwest
In Madison County, workforce training isn’t limited to post-secondary programs. At the Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC), future workers are gaining valuable skills during their junior and senior years of high school.
With an outreach that encompasses multiple districts, including Bethalto, East Alton, Wood River, Roxana, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Triad, Highland, Lebanon, Mascoutah and Dupo, the CAVC is providing a pipeline of skilled workers for various industries’ throughout the county, which is considered a part of the Metro East region of Greater St. Louis.
While CAVC currently boasts 16 pathways, including electronics, precision machining, cybersecurity, CNA, building trade and auto body, the training center is embarking on a new expansion to not only increase its program offerings but its capacity for students, as well.
Backed by a $25 million appropriation from the State of Illinois, CAVC is constructing a new state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the industrial arts. With this additional space, CAVC expects to increase its offerings to over 22 programs, with enough room to train more than 800 students.
With an existing workforce over 273,000, communities across Southwest Illinois provide trained workers for some of the largest companies in the country. Amazon, P&G, Boeing, FedEx, Walgreens, Amsted Rail, U.S Steel and Hershey are some of the region’s largest employers.
Located within 500 miles of one-third of the nation’s population, Southwest Illinois’ strategic location and robust multimodal connectivity via rail, road, river and air continue to attract investment in the area.
Most recently, Wieland Rolled Products North America revealed that it was investing $500 million to modernize its facility in East Alton, one of six locations within the state.
Railway in Galesburg
Photo: Getty Images /Leadinglights
West Central
Capitalizing on its natural resources is what West Central Illinois does best. Blessed with sprawling farmlands and fertile soil, this section of the state innately draws agribusiness-related companies to the region. Dot Foods, Archer Daniels Midland and Smithfield Foods are among the various industry giants anchored in the area.
Headquartered in Galesburg, Western Smokehouse Partners LLC, a family-owned and operated company, has steadily been making a name for itself in the meat snacks sector. Since 2020, the company has quickly expanded its footprint inside and outside of Illinois, acquiring operations in Galesburg and Springfield, Illinois; Burlington, Iowa; and Shelley, Idaho. As of May 2024, Western Smokehouse Partners runs five facilities, boasting more than 500,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space and nearly 900 employees.
A sixth location is soon to be added to the roster. In May, the company announced that it will be growing its footprint in Galesburg with a third facility. Because of competitive offers from other locations in the company, Western Smokehouse is seeking an incentive of $300,000 from the city of Galesburg. In return, Western Smokehouse says it would agree to keep its headquarters in the city for a 10-year period as well as retain or create 32 local jobs, an estimated economic impact of over $2 million.
In addition to the region’s thriving agriculture and food processing scene, this corner of the state benefits from being located along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Due to this asset, and the logistics and economic capabilities it enables, seven communities in West Central and Northwest Illinois have recently been designated River Edge Redevelopment Zones.
As of June 2024, Quincy, Moline, East Moline, Ottawa, LaSalle, Peru and Rock Island are able to leverage new incentives to attract investments and create jobs. Developers undertaking historic renovation projects in these areas could be eligible for income tax credits culminating in 45% of their costs as well as a slew of other incentives.
