State of Illinois incentive package supports advanced manufacturing

MONEE - On October 29, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Voortman Steel Machinery leadership to announce new investments in the company's expansion in Monee. Voortman's $51.4 million investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, will enable the company to purchase and develop new property while increasing capacity by growing its talented workforce.

"With new incentives and nation-leading energy abundance and among the best workforce training, Illinois has once again become a destination for businesses looking to expand in Illinois and those looking to move here," said Governor JB Pritzker. "We're proud to be the US headquarters of Voortman Steel Machinery and to see it grow right here in Monee-creating good jobs and economic opportunity for the people of this region."

"Illinois is quickly becoming a top choice for innovative companies like Voortman Steel Machinery," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "As we like to say, 'Illinois is open for business,' fostering growth that will build a lasting impact on the success of our communities."

As a global leading manufacturer of CNC steel processing machinery and software solutions, catering to diverse industries, Netherlands-based Voortman Steel Group's family business has continued to grow since its humble beginnings in 1968. From its early days building steel structures, to developing steel processing machines, the company has now installed countless machines worldwide.

Incorporated in Illinois in 2005, Voortman USA was created to serve customers across North, Central, and South America - with North America serving as one of the company's most vital sales regions for the last decade.

"As we break ground today, we're not just laying the foundation for a building. We're laying the foundation for a brighter more prosperous future for the area. We're showing everyone that economic growth and working with local and state government can go hand in hand," said Voortman Steel Machinery President Ben Morrall. "To everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment - the architects, the engineers, the city planners, local government, Governor's office and countless others - thank you. Your vision and dedication have made this possible."

Voortman has purchased a 27-acre property to construct a 100,000-square-foot building with 20,000 square feet of office and 80,000 square feet of warehouse space. The expansion will allow the company to respond to increased customer demand and company growth by increasing headcount and capabilities to provide a high quality of customer service while moving their supply chain to Illinois.

"The State of Illinois is committed to supporting Voortman Steel Machinery as it grows its American presence by expanding in Monee while creating and retaining jobs for Illinoisans," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Voortman's advanced manufacturing investments align with the State's priority to focus on this key sector as outlined in Illinois' economic growth plan to advance economic development."

As part of the State's comprehensive incentive package, Voortman received an EDGE tax credit, and has committed to making a $51.4 million investment, creating 51 new full-time jobs and retaining 40 full-time jobs. A link to the full agreement can be found here. In calendar year 2023, companies in the EDGE program committed nearly $900 million in investments in Illinois communities across the state.

"Putting people to work in great jobs is our shared goal and priority. Senator Joyce and Governor Pritzker deserve a lot of credit for their work to make this happen," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

"This new investment by Voortman Steel Machinery is great news for our economy, our manufacturing industry, and it reinforces that what we are doing to attract more businesses and jobs in Illinois is working," said Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch. "I look forward to welcoming the U.S. headquarters for this Netherlands-based company to the Midwest and witnessing how this expansion benefits Monee and all of Illinois."

"Voortman's Monee expansion is a welcome addition to Illinois' growing manufacturing industry," said Representative Anthony DeLuca (D - Chicago Heights). "Bolstered by State incentives, Voortman's investments will create good-paying jobs for folks seeking to be part of Illinois' world-class workforce."

"Illinois continues to attract big production companies, boosting our business and manufacturing sectors," said Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). "I'm thrilled to welcome yet another manufacturing company to the 40th District, bringing jobs and economic growth to the area."

Pending an executed agreement, Voortman will also receive Invest in Illinois funding in the amount of $10 million in capital funding to the company. The Fund was signed into law in early 2023 to make Illinois more attractive when vying for large projects in highly competitive sectors. Once the agreement is executed it will be posted online.

"Today's expansion announcement by Voortman USA is great news for the community with the creation of good-paying manufacturing jobs," said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "Illinois' advantages including our central location, great infrastructure, and excellent workforce, coupled with improved incentives championed by Governor Pritzker and lawmakers, are leading to manufacturing growth in Illinois."

"Voortman's expansion in Monee is an exciting contribution to the growth of Will County manufacturing," said Doug Pryor, President of the Will County Center for Economic Development. "Through local partnerships and strong statewide attraction and expansion tools, we are providing an environment where companies like Voortman can thrive, benefiting both our community and the wider economy."