Author: Nicole Bateman

Caterpillar Invests in the Future of Manufacturing Talent in Illinois

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

“Caterpillar’s roots run deep in Illinois, and so does our commitment to building a strong and skilled workforce,” said Christy Pambianchi, Caterpillar’s chief human resources officer. “This investment builds on that legacy, helping ensure people have a clear path to manufacturing careers today while equipping the next generation of Illinoisans with the skills they need to succeed.”

Why Illinois?

Backed by a strong manufacturing base and Caterpillar’s extensive footprint, Illinois provides an ideal environment to advance innovative workforce development initiatives. Caterpillar employs more than 17,000 people across Illinois, including major manufacturing sites as well as the company’s downtown Peoria offices.

“Caterpillar’s commitment to strengthening our workforce will help more Illinoisans get the skills they need to successfully enter the workforce and ensure our manufacturers have the talent they need to grow and compete,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to work alongside their team as we create more pathways to good-paying careers and solidify Illinois’ global manufacturing leadership.”

Today’s announcement, held at Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration & Learning Center, marks the launch of an effort that will extend across multiple Illinois communities where the company has a manufacturing footprint, including East Peoria, Mapleton, Morton, Pontiac and Decatur. Illinois offers the infrastructure, talent and educational institutions needed to develop innovative training models that could be replicated across the country.

Caterpillar’s investment will strengthen collaboration between Illinois training institutions and employers so individuals receive more accessible, affordable and relevant training that leads to career advancement; implement outreach and engagement programs to build understanding of modern manufacturing among Illinois students, parents and educators; explore innovative training and financing models so workers can access cutting-edge, community-tailored programs; and share successful innovation models and best practices with the wider industry.

To advance these efforts across the state, Caterpillar is collaborating with leading organizations to strengthen pathways in manufacturing and industrial skills for the current and future workforce. Collaborators include, but are not limited to, the Greater Peoria Leadership Council, the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, the Livingston Area Career Center and Heartland Community College.

This marks the fourth allocation for this initiative, which includes two state launches and an innovation challenge. For more information on how these funds are upskilling talent for manufacturing and industry technician roles, and to stay up to date on future announcements, visit the Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Initiative.

About Caterpillar
For more than a century, Caterpillar has built a better, more sustainable world. With 2025 sales and revenues of $67.6 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is shaping the future as the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Backed by one of the largest independent global dealer networks and financing services through Cat Financial, the company’s primary business segments: Power & Energy, Construction Industries and Resource Industries are solving customers’ toughest challenges through commercial excellence and advanced technology, driven by a highly skilled, dedicated global team. Learn more at www.caterpillar.com.

SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.

Gov. Pritzker Announces ADM to Invest $103 Million to Modernize Decatur Operations

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 22, 2026

CONTACT
GovernorsOffice@illinois.gov

Project will create jobs and strengthen one of the world’s largest agricultural processing hubs 

 

DECATUR — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced today that ADM will invest over $103 million to modernize key facilities at its North American headquarters in Decatur, where the company has maintained a presence since 1939. The company’s investment will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain over 1,000 existing full-time jobs, reinforcing Decatur’s role as a global center for agriculture and manufacturing.

 

“For nearly a century, ADM has helped shape communities and livelihoods in Central Illinois, delivering opportunities for workers and families while growing a world-renowned agricultural enterprise,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “ADM’s growth is one of the reasons Illinois is an international economic powerhouse, and I’m proud to celebrate the company’s latest move to modernize its facilities, create new jobs for our talented workforce, and continue to innovate right here in Illinois.”

 

“ADM has been an important part of Central Illinois for generations, and this investment reflects confidence in our people, our communities, and our future,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Projects like this strengthen our economy, support working families, and help ensure Illinois remains a leader in innovation and agriculture.”

 

“For more than 85 years, ADM has been proud to call Decatur home, and today we’re excited to announce this significant investment in our facilities, our workforce, and the broader community,” said Chris Cuddy, President, North America and Carbohydrate Solutions, ADM. “With more than 4,000 colleagues based here, Decatur represents ADM’s largest footprint and employee population, making it a vital hub that helps connect U.S. farmers with markets and customers around the world. Investments like this strengthen our ability to support customers, drive economic growth, and reinforce Illinois’ leadership in agriculture. Programs like EDGE play an important role in keeping Illinois competitive and fostering continued growth, and they would not be possible without the vision and support of Governor Pritzker.”

 

Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker continues to build the foundation for long-term success by focusing on key growth industries, including next-generation agriculture, ag tech, and food processing. As a global agricultural leader in supply chain management and processing, ADM investing in its home facility further strengthens Illinois’ position in this sector.

 

In Decatur, ADM operates one of the world’s largest integrated agricultural processing hubs, converting corn and soybeans into ingredients, fuels, and nutrition products used by food, beverage, and industrial customers around the globe. With support from the State of Illinois, ADM is undertaking a major modernization initiative at its Decatur processing complex, upgrading critical facilities across its west and east soybean plants and the corn wet mill to replace aging control systems with state-of-the-art technology.

 

“Illinois remains committed to fostering long-term economic growth by supporting the industries that keep our state competitive on a global scale,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through strategic tools like the EDGE program, we’re empowering companies to invest in modern, resilient operations that create quality jobs and strengthen local economies.”

 

“As Illinois continues to grow its leadership in next-generation agriculture and food processing, investments like this are essential to maintaining our competitive edge,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “ADM’s commitment to modernizing its Decatur operations supports farmers, creates jobs, and helps ensure Illinois remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.”

 

The modernization project will enhance soy crush and refining operations, improve isolate, textured vegetable protein, and other protein production lines, and modernize storage elevators and corn milling capabilities. By replacing more than 40,000 input/output modules and associated control systems, ADM will be able to significantly improve equipment monitoring, reduce unplanned downtime, and boost production efficiency.

 

“ADM’s investment in Decatur is a powerful vote of confidence in our workforce and our community,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “This modernization will create new jobs and ensure Central Illinois remains a global leader in agriculture and food processing.”

 

“ADM has been a cornerstone of Decatur for generations, and this major investment ensures that legacy continues,” said State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). “By modernizing these facilities and creating new jobs, ADM is helping secure a strong economic future for our region and the families who call it home.”

 

With support from the State’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, ADM has committed to investing at least $103 million and creating at least 50 new full-time jobs. A link to the full agreement can be found here. So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments.

 

“We usually think economic development is about bringing new companies to town with great paying jobs, and we love those announcements! But there’s another equally important side, and that’s not only keeping the companies we have, but helping them grow and expand their job base,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “Archer Daniels Midland is our largest employer in Decatur — a company we want to keep building here. I want to thank Governor Pritzker and his hands-on efforts to help companies like ADM continue to grow in Illinois, proving we are a business-friendly state.”

 

“ADM is one of Illinois’ most storied companies, with a global footprint spanning biofuels, nutrition, and food ingredients,” said Illinois EDC President & CEO Christy George. “This investment in ADM’s Decatur facility represents another meaningful chapter in its longstanding commitment to Central Illinois — modernizing key soybean processing and corn wet milling operations while reinforcing one of the state’s most important production hubs.”

Additional Media Coverage:
NowDecatur
WAND TV

I Squared Capital and Low Carbon Infrastructure Announce Landmark Clean Power Partnership with Google

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

400 MW Broadwing Energy will pioneer commercial-scale carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), creating a blueprint for reliable, low-carbon electricity in the U.S.

DECATUR, Ill. & PALO ALTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–I Squared Capital, a leading global infrastructure investor, and its portfolio company Low Carbon Infrastructure (LCI) today announced a landmark clean energy partnership with Google to develop Broadwing Energy, an over 400-megawatt and over 1.5 million pounds of steam an hour natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant integrated with carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology.

The project marks the first-ever corporate offtake agreement for a CCS-enabled power plant, demonstrating a new model for scaling clean, firm generation that complements renewable power sources. When operational, Broadwing Energy will capture and permanently store over 90% of its CO₂ emissions, while generating more than 400 MW of clean power.

“This partnership underscores how private investment, technology innovation, and corporate energy demand can come together to deliver scalable climate solutions,” said Gautam Bhandari, Global Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner, I Squared. “At I Squared, we are focused on building the next generation of clean, reliable, and resilient infrastructure — and Broadwing Energy is a defining example of that mission.”

“Broadwing demonstrates that carbon capture can be commercially viable today,” said Jonathan Wiens, Chief Executive Officer of Low Carbon Infrastructure. “Working alongside I Squared and Google, we’re proving that low-carbon power can be both affordable and reliable, while driving job creation and community investment.”

“By entering into this agreement with LCI, we hope to help prove and scale a valuable source of clean, firm power. We’re excited to support LCI in their pioneering efforts, both at Broadwing Energy and across the broader portfolio they are developing in the U.S.” said Michael Terrell, Head of Advanced Energy at Google.

A New Chapter for Clean, Firm Power

Broadwing Energy is being developed on an existing Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) site in Decatur, Illinois, leveraging ADM’s decade-long experience in safe CO₂ sequestration. The project will employ Mitsubishi Power’s M501JAC gas turbine. The captured CO₂ will be compressed and injected into ADM’s EPA Class VI-approved wells, stored permanently more than a mile underground.

Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services are being led by Kiewit Power Constructors, with project financing expected to reach final investment decision in Q2 2026 and commercial operations targeted for 2030.

Driving Economic and Environmental Impact

LCI has already engaged a broad range of community stakeholders in the development of the project, and will continue to do so throughout its lifecycle. They estimate that the plant’s construction will create approximately 650 union craft labor and 100 construction management and support staff over the four-year build period, and sustain dozens of permanent, well-paying jobs once the plant is operating.

Broadwing Energy represents the first in a pipeline of CCS-enabled facilities under development by I Squared and LCI, aimed at expanding clean, firm generation capacity across North America and supporting the decarbonization of heavy industry.

About I Squared Capital

I Squared Capital is a leading global infrastructure investor managing $50 billion in assets. We build and scale essential infrastructure businesses that deliver critical services to millions of people worldwide. Our portfolio includes over 90 companies operating in more than 70 countries and spanning sectors such as energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental and social infrastructure. Headquartered in Miami, our team of over 300 professionals is based across offices in Abu Dhabi, London, Munich, New Delhi, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. Learn more at www.isquaredcapital.com.

About Low Carbon Infrastructure

Houston-based Low Carbon Infrastructure (LCI) develops and invests in high-impact, power and industrial energy transition projects and technologies targeting near-zero carbon emissions. With capabilities across project sourcing, financing, development and operations, LCI expertly navigates the complex industrial environment to create opportunities for sustainable decarbonization solutions. LCI is backed by I Squared Capital, a global infrastructure investor that provides a unique acumen and capability for project financing and structuring, which is critical for development and execution. Learn more at https://lowcarboninfra.com/.

About Google

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

Contacts

Low Carbon Infrastructure
Mark Crosby
lciinfo@lowcarboninfra.com

I Squared Capital
Dominic McMullan / Shelly Hagan
info@isquaredcapital.com

Google
Mara Harris
maraharris@google.com

 

Additional Media Coverage:

An Overview of Google’s Support
Reuters

ADM Advances Quality Capabilities with opening of New Central Milling Laboratory

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

October 14, 2025 – ADM celebrated the opening of its new Central Milling Laboratory at the ADM Specialty Manufacturing Facility in Decatur.

Equipped with advanced testing technologies and analytical tools, ADM’s Central Milling Laboratory receives wheat where it is milled, analyzed, and baked to provide the most accurate insights into how flour will perform in real-world applications. The lab bakes approximately 30 loaves of bread each day, enabling ADM to evaluate performance and ensure the company can procure the highest-quality wheat for customers.

Located near ADM’s North American Headquarters in Decatur, the facility enhances collaboration opportunities with ADM’s Research & Development and Creation, Design and Development facilities. Currently, the lab supports 31 ADM facilities across North America.

“We are very excited because this new lab shows our commitment to growing our quality testing capabilities and it serves as a continued investment in the Decatur community,” said Tedd Kruse, President, Milling & Baking Solutions at ADM. “This facility strengthens our ability to collaborate with customers to meet evolving market needs, and it will accelerate innovation across our milling network. The lab is a great example of ADM’s mission of unlocking the power of nature to enrich the quality of life.”

OCOchem and ADM Partner to Build Innovative New CO2 Conversion Facility

Posted on by Nicole Bateman
OCOchem and ADM announce a production partnership between the companies to build an innovative new CO2 conversion facility at one of ADM’s existing locations.

 

RICHLAND, WA | August 18, 2025 OCOchem, a rapidly scaling pioneer of CO2 electrolysis and conversion technologies, today announced a production partnership agreement with ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, to build a groundbreaking field demonstration plant using OCOchem’s Carbon FluX Electrolyzer technology. The plant will be co-located within ADM’s corn processing complex in Decatur, Illinois. It will convert biogenic CO2 from ADM’s ethanol production stream to formate molecules, which can be used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products and applications.

“The partnership with ADM will help enable OCOchem to bring our CO2 Electrolysis process to a commercial scale and start meeting early customer demand for our carbon-negative, biogenic, sustainable formate products at competitive market prices” said Todd Brix, Co-Founder and CEO of OCOchem.

“We’re pleased to work with OCOchem to advance a high-potential pathway for converting captured CO2 into valuable, carbon-negative molecules. OCOchem has rapidly scaled an impressive CO2 conversion technology that aligns with ADM’s strategy to lead in industrial carbon management and sustainable molecule production. This collaboration represents a strategic step in demonstrating how CO2-derived formates can emerge as cost-competitive, next-generation C1 platform chemical — supporting lower-carbon supply chains and unlocking new value across the bio-based economy.” – Kris Lutt, President of Sustainable Materials and Strategic Initiatives at ADM

CO2 is the most abundant and readily available form of carbon for making organic molecules. Plants have been engaged in this process for an estimated 2.5 billion years. OCOchem’s technology now makes it cost-effective to convert captured CO2 into carbon-negative organic molecules directly using the highly efficient CO2 electrolysis technologies OCOchem has pioneered. “The production partnership with ADM will help enable OCOchem to bring our CO2 Electrolysis process to a commercial scale and start meeting early customer demand for our carbon-negative, biogenic, sustainable formate products at competitive market prices,” said Todd Brix, Co-Founder and CEO of OCOchem.

Under the terms of the agreement, OCOchem will build, deploy, and operate modular Carbon FluX electrolyzer systems in an existing facility at the ADM site, converting water and CO2 captured from the bioethanol plant into carbon-negative formate molecules to replace existing fossil fuel-based formates and derivatives. Plant construction is expected to commence later this year and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The companies also plan to collaborate on value chain development for formate molecules and derivatives such as formic acid, potassium formate, and ethyl formate. These will target a range of existing and emerging applications, including crop protection, biomass upgrading, fertilizers, water treatment, liquid syngas carriers, industrial solvents, cleaning products, metal recovery, de-icing chemicals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and flavors and fragrances.

Adds Brix: “As one of the few scaled out modular CO2 conversion facilities in the world, OCOchem’s Carbon FluX Electrolyzer will also demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility to convert large volumes of captured CO2 emissions into value-added liquid organic molecules. This will happen on-site in an existing manufacturing environment, and establish a new, fast, and modular approach to industrial symbiosis, using the most abundant waste product on the planet, CO2, as feedstock.”

By numbering up the world’s largest gas diffusion electrode and first-of-a-kind co-current cell design into multiple cell stacks, OCOchem’s Carbon FluX Electrolyzer converts CO2 and water into vital end-user and intermediate formate molecules and derivatives that have traditionally been made from fossil fuels. By utilizing biogenic CO2 as a feedstock and clean energy, all products are carbon negative. The core use of electrochemical processing technologies, utilizing the world’s largest CO2 electrolyzer cells measuring 1.5 m² in surface area and operating at high current densities, enables high Faradaic efficiency, high cell productivity, 100% product selectivity, and hence no waste products.

Since opening its lab in 2020, OCOchem has scaled its gas diffusion electrode-based Carbon FluX Electrolyzer cell by a factor 1500x and quadrupled its performance to make both the world’s largest and highest performance CO2 Electrolyzer Cell. Early support for OCOchem was provided by the US Army Research Office, the US Department of Energy and ARPA-E. OCOchem recently announced the completion of a multi-cell stack pilot plant at its R&D facility in Richland, WA.

About ADM
ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We’re an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We’re a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We’re a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We’re a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new bio-based consumer and industrial solutions. And we’re leading in business-driven sustainability efforts that support a strong agricultural sector, resilient supply chains, and a vast and growing bioeconomy. Around the globe, our expertise and innovation are meeting critical needs from harvest to home. Learn more at www.adm.com.

About OCOchem
OCOchem is the leading CO2 Electrolysis company converting CO2 into organic molecules. At its core, OCOchem is pioneering technologies that make artificial photosynthesis a reality by directly converting carbon dioxide, water and clean energy into renewable molecules and materials. Focusing on decarbonizing global supply chains and building a more sustainable industrial future, OCOchem is pursuing this goal by utilizing a novel approach that integrates proprietary electrochemical systems with cost-effective and easily scalable production methods. OCOchem is based in Richland, Washington, USA.

Media Contact:
Steven Gottlieb
(206) 427-9591
steven@gottliebgroup.consulting

New Tillamook Ice Cream Plant Now in Production – Facility Will Produce 15.5 Million Gallons Annually at Full Capacity

Posted on by Nicole Bateman
The first Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) owned-and-operated manufacturing facility outside Oregon, the Decatur, Ill. site marks a major milestone in the co-op’s national expansion. At full capacity, the facility is expected to produce 15.5 million gallons of ice cream annually.

TILLAMOOK, Ore., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tillamook Ice Cream – the fastest-growing family size ice cream brand in the United States1 – is now officially in production at the new Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) manufacturing facility in Decatur, Ill. As TCCA’s first owned-and-operated manufacturing site outside of Oregon, the production facility opening marks a key milestone in the 116-year-old farmer-owned co-op’s national expansion.

“This is an exciting step forward for our co-op, and we are energized by the new opportunities that the Decatur manufacturing plant opens for TCCA,” said David Booth, president and CEO of TCCA. “Decatur offers strategic access to our growing customer and consumer base, and we hope this new production facility will help enable Tillamook to become the ice cream of choice for consumers in the Eastern United States.”

The new Decatur facility represents a significant investment in TCCA’s growth strategy and expansion plans as demand for Tillamook products continues to rise across the country. Since 2021, 4.4 million new consumers have purchased Tillamook family size Ice Cream2, including more than one million new consumers purchasing in 2024 alone3 – driving Tillamook family size Ice Cream dollar sales growth by over 13% in a single year. More than half of those new consumers are from the Eastern United States5.

“Our Decatur plant is expected to deliver 15.5 million gallons of ice cream as production scales,” said Mike Bever, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer of TCCA. “The Decatur plant is well equipped to serve our valued customers with increased production capacity, while driving supply chain efficiency from the plant to a growing footprint of national and regional retail outlets.”

Upon opening, the new Tillamook production facility has created 50 new jobs in the Decatur area, with plans to expand the workforce as production scales. The plant is also part of a broader City of Decatur neighborhood revitalization effort – transforming a formerly vacant manufacturing facility into a vibrant
economic driver.

“We are proud to welcome Tillamook to Decatur and to serve as a key location in the company’s growing national presence,” said Julie Moore Wolfe, mayor of Decatur. “The jobs being created and the co-op’s early community support reflect the strong alignment between TCCA and our city’s values. We look forward to continuing to work together as TCCA becomes an integral part of our thriving business community.”

In alignment with the co-op’s commitment to community enrichment, TCCA is actively engaging with the Decatur community through local philanthropy with recent commitments, including a $25K donation that was matched by JP Cullen – the general contractor on the TCCA plant project – to deliver a total of $50K to support local Decatur initiatives including:

  • $20,000 to the Decatur Park District to sponsor local youth recreation and community events like the Ice Cream Safari at the Scovill Zoo and Trees on the Tees
  • $20,000 to support the food security efforts of the Good Samaritan Inn. The non-profit organization is expanding its urban food garden from one to five acres in 2025 to further bring fresh produce to those in need
  • $5,000 to the Northeast Community Fund to support their food security efforts and sponsor their upcoming Farm to Fund event
  • $5,000 to the Macon County Fair to support the livestock and open class shows

“Decatur isn’t just where we are making more ice cream — it’s where we’re building new community partnerships, supporting revitalization, and laying the groundwork for future growth,” said Booth.

In addition to ice cream, Tillamook is also the fastest-growing cheese and cream cheese brand in the country.6 In 2024, one in four American households purchased Tillamook products7. For more information about TCCA and Tillamook, please visit www.tillamook.com.

About Tillamook County Creamery Association Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Certified B Corporation® (B Corp™) and prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook’s® internationally recognized, award-winning cheese, as well as exceptional ice cream, butter, cream cheese, yogurt, sour cream and frozen meals, are made with unwavering values that never sacrifice or compromise quality for profit. TCCA is owned by a group of farming families, primarily based in Tillamook County, Oregon. TCCA operates production facilities in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon, and Decatur, Illinois, and employs more than 1,100 team members. The Tillamook Creamery is the largest tourist attraction on the coast of Oregon and one of the most popular in the state, attracting more than one million visitors each year. For more information on TCCA and Tillamook, visit Tillamook.com.

SOURCE Tillamook County Creamery Association

TCCI Manufacturing unveils new Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur, first of its kind in the Nation

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

Press Release – Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Clean Energy Innovation Hub will strengthen Illinois’ EV component part supply chain, create jobs, and provide state-of-the art training opportunities

DECATUR- Governor JB Pritzker joined TCCI Manufacturing today to announce the grand opening of its Clean Energy Innovation Hub. The new state-of-the-art hub is a $45 million project which strengthens the North American supply chain by onshoring critical electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturing, providing training and cutting edge research opportunities. As part of the project, TCCI invested more than $20 million to revamp their Decatur facility, creating 50 new jobs in the process. TCCI is the first recipient of the state’s groundbreaking Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) incentive program.

 

“From workforce development to innovation to manufacturing expansion, we are building an engine of opportunity. That starts with strategic projects like the Clean Energy Innovation Hub,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This has been years in the making, and it took collaboration to get here — collaboration between a company committed to Illinois, a state government and General Assembly committed to building an ecosystem for innovation to thrive, city government partners that understand what job growth means for its residents, and higher education that produces the highest quality workforce in the nation. Illinois is turning the page to grow good jobs, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities.”

 

“The Clean Energy Innovation Hub is where economic growth and climate action comes together,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “We’re creating good paying jobs, strengthening our economy, and leading the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future — with every community at the table.”

 

The 260,000-square-foot Clean Energy Innovation Hub includes: 1) TCCI’s EV compressor production line; 2) the Clean Energy Workforce Academy, a collaborative initiative with universities and community colleges offering students an immersive learning experience; and 3) the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research, a cutting-edge research and development facility with robust climatic testing capabilities. The EV compressor production facility, which will serve as the foundation of the three-tiered innovation hub, will begin producing made-in-America EV compressors for customers soon.

 

The Clean Energy Workforce Academy will begin in the fall with Richland Community College within TCCI’s facility — a first-of-its-kind clean energy education model. TCCI’s Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR) will open in 2026 and will be among the most advanced facilities in the country dedicated to next-generation thermal management systems and natural refrigerant technologies for EVs.

 

“Our opening marks a pivotal step forward in Illinois’ clean energy leadership and reflects the power of collaboration in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy,” said TCCI president Richard Demirjian. “We’re proud to be onshoring critical thermal management technology development to the United States, while supporting workforce development, and building a global hub for research and innovation.”

 

“TCCI was the first company to sign a REV Illinois incentive agreement with the State, and their collaboration with Richland Community College serves as a model for other employer partnerships,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This project is a great example of Illinois’ commitment to clean energy and workforce readiness and strengthens the state’s position as a hub for sustainable innovation.”

 

In partnership with Richland Community College, TCCI is launching the Clean Energy Workforce Academy to expand educational opportunities and workforce opportunities in the EV and clean energy sectors. The scalable program aligns statewide higher education resources to upskill and reskill Illinois’ workforce through a co-developed curriculum focused on computer science, engineering, and advanced technology. Students will gain hands-on training in natural refrigerants, sustainable HVAC solutions, and clean energy systems, along with direct experience in refrigerant system validation. The initiative also strengthens career pathways for high school students, associate degrees, and industry certifications, cultivating a highly skilled workforce to help Illinois meet its clean energy goals.
The Illinois EPA is also announcing a $650,000 matching grant to support the expansion of TCCI’s Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR), which was developed in partnership with Richland Community College. Set to open in 2026, the CCIR will serve as one of the nation’s most advanced facilities for testing and validating natural refrigerant technologies and sustainable thermal management systems. This new investment will enable expanded capabilities for real-world HVAC and thermal system simulations, customized testing for compliance with evolving energy standards, and accelerated development of next-generation clean technologies. The CCIR will also serve as a training ground for students and professionals entering the clean energy workforce, further solidifying Illinois’ leadership in sustainable manufacturing and applied research.

 

“This investment reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive manufacturing economy in Illinois,” said Illinois EPA Director James Jennings. “By advancing natural refrigerant research and workforce development, we’re reducing emissions, accelerating decarbonization, and paving the way for Illinois to lead the nation in clean energy innovation.”

 

Governor Pritzker has committed to a state goal of 1 million EV’s on the road by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This announcement builds upon major EV and clean energy sector agreements in the past year, including EV manufacturer Rivian investing $1.5 billion in Central Illinois to produce its highly anticipated R2 model, Avina Clean Hydrogen’s $820 million sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) investment in Southwest Illinois, Wieland North America’s $500 million investment to modernize the East Alton Manufacturing Facility, Crysalis Biosciences’ first-of-its-kind SAF plant in Sauget, EV manufacturer Ymer Technology opening its U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove, EV battery material supplier Bedrock Materials locating its research and development headquarters in Chicago.

 

“The Clean Energy Innovation Hub represents the kind of bold, future-focused investment that will define the next era of American manufacturing,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “By onshoring critical EV component production and launching a dedicated workforce academy, TCCI and its partners are not only reinforcing Illinois’ leadership in clean energy—they’re setting a national standard for how industry, education, and government can come together to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”

 

“Richland Community College is proud to partner with TCCI Manufacturing in launching the Clean Energy Workforce Academy—an innovative model that bridges education and industry to prepare the next generation of skilled workers for the clean energy economy,” said Cristobal Valdez, President of Richland Community College. “By integrating hands-on training, cutting-edge technical skills, trauma informed curriculum, and real-world experience we are ensuring Illinois has a competitive workforce ready to meet the demands of a sustainable future.”

 

“From Ymer’s new headquarters in Buffalo Grove to TCCI’s Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur, Illinois is proving that a localized supply chain is key to accelerating the transition to electrification and zero emissions,” said Björn Afzelius, President of Ymer Technology. “With forward-thinking policy, world-class talent, and partners like TCCI, Illinois is ensuring the next generation of EV systems is built right here in the U.S.”

 

“True progress in sustainable mobility happens when industry advancements and innovation align with forward-thinking partnerships such as this,” said Michael Grahe, Chief Technology Officer at International. “TCCI has been a partner for decades—delivering technologies that provide quality and value to our customers, while redefining what’s possible in the industry. This facility isn’t just a win for Illinois; it’s a testament to American ingenuity leading the global charge as the next generation of transportation is defined.”

Additional Local News Coverage:
Herald & Review

Prairie Land Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) launched its newest chapter in Decatur

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – The Prairie Land Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) launched its newest chapter in Decatur Monday.

In partnership with Workforce Investment Solutions, ADM, and Richland Community College, the program is designed to establish a pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry in central Illinois.

Prairie Land FAME is a collaborative initiative to connect community stakeholders and local industry leaders to develop the next generation of advanced manufacturing technicians.

“We are thrilled to introduce the FAME program to the Decatur community,” said Tony Davis, National Director for FAME U.S. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that our graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped to drive innovation within the manufacturing sector.”

The Prairie Land FAME program will offer a pathway for high school students to achieve an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Engineering Technology with a specialty in Advanced Manufacturing Technician through Richland Community College.

Over the course of five semesters, participants will earn 65 college credit hours and get two years of work experience through hands-on training with partnering organizations such as ADM, GSI, Mueller, and voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak.

“ADM is absolutely thrilled to be among several partnering organizations in Macon County to help launch the newest chapter of the Prairie Land FAME program,” said Greg Webb, Vice President, State Government Relations for ADM. “We are offering an educational pathway for students to not only evolve with the manufacturing landscape but align on industry demands. This partnership is a major step forward in supporting regional economic development in central Illinois and contributing to the innovation of central Illinois’ manufacturing sector.”

Prairie Land FAME invites prospective students, educators, and industry partners to learn more about the program.

Source: WAND TV

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iFAB awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs grant to propel Central Illinois as a biomanufacturing leader

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub has been awarded approximately $51 million from the Tech Hubs Program through the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The iFAB consortium, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will receive a Phase 2 Implementation grant to position Central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation, supporting national security, economic growth, and job generation.

“Securing this grant is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our partners and the strategic importance of leveraging biology as a manufacturing technology of the future — we are thrilled to lead this charge in making Central Illinois the heart of biomanufacturing in the U.S. and beyond,” said Beth Conerty, iFAB regional innovation officer and associate director of business development at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at U. of I.

Authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the EDA designated 31 Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs that qualified for a Phase 2 Implementation grant last October. Today the EDA unveiled that iFAB is one of 12 Tech Hub Designees selected for implementation funding.

“The Tech Hubs designation and Phase 2 funding is just the beginning — we are poised for continued growth and investment, with a strong focus on expanding our workforce, enhancing entrepreneurship, and further developing our technological capabilities,” said iFAB leader Carly McCrory-McKay, executive director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation. “The commitment and collaboration of our partners — from higher education and government agencies to industry leaders and startups — has been instrumental in reaching this point. Their expertise, resources, and innovative spirit are key to our strategy as we drive forward these pivotal initiatives. iFAB’s future is bright, and together, we are setting new standards for what can be achieved in biomanufacturing right here in Central Illinois.”

The EDA Phase 2 grant will fill gaps to support the wide spectrum of biomanufacturing businesses that are developing precision fermentation innovations to create zero-emission, high-value products from agricultural commodities. By harnessing microbes to transform local feedstocks — mainly corn and soybeans — into a variety of goods such as textiles, biofuels, food ingredients, and more, these efforts could revolutionize domestic manufacturing. The precision fermentation industry is projected to reach $200 billion by 2040, with the potential to generate one million jobs by 2030.

This funding announcement follows strategic discussions in Washington, D.C., where the importance of biomanufacturing for national security was emphasized, as well as Central Illinois’ unique capabilities to position itself as the epicenter for biomanufacturing in the U.S.

“Central Illinois is uniquely positioned to lead the way in biomanufacturing, leveraging an ecosystem of industry leaders, innovative startups, world-class R&D, scalable infrastructure, abundant feedstock production, and robust transportation networks,” said iFAB leader Nicole Bateman, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County. “This landmark investment in iFAB’s vision and infrastructure will allow the U.S. to rival Europe and China, who have been investing heavily in this space.”

Ultimately, the Phase II Implementation grant will strengthen iFAB’s ability to attract and support companies that join the growing biomanufacturing ecosystem in Champaign, Piatt, and Macon counties.

Bioprocessing expansion: The EDA grant will help realize a $40 million expansion of IBRL, which will include a 1500-liter fermenter capacity upgrade.

Production line expansion: Primient and Synonym will receive funding to achieve a fermentation capacity of 13,000 liters; ADM will use Phase 2 funding to upgrade their precision fermentation facility to 80,000 liters. This significant investment solidifies Decatur’s role as a key player in Central Illinois’ expanding biomanufacturing corridor.

iFAB Tech Hub Management: The EDA grant will support the iFAB Tech Hub’s management, formalizing leadership roles for Conerty, McCrory-McKay, and Bateman as well as Laura Appenzeller, U. of I. assistant vice chancellor for innovation and Research Park executive director, and Kim Kidwell, U. of I. associate chancellor for strategic partnerships and initiatives. Brian Jacobson, IBRL’s associate director of strategic operations, will serve as the program manager for infrastructure development. iFAB will hire additional staff to support these efforts.

iFAB is supported by the coalition Innovate Illinois, a strategic initiative led by Governor J.B. Pritzker and co-chaired by U. of I. Chancellor Robert J. Jones.

“Today’s EDA grant not only acknowledges but actively fuels our mission to establish Central Illinois as a pivotal biomanufacturing player on the global stage. With these new resources, we are equipped to accelerate our initiatives, ensuring that our region not only meets but sets the gold standard for biomanufacturing innovation,” Jones said. “This partnership exemplifies how the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can leverage its expertise and resources to fuel progress and prosperity right in our backyard.”

About iFAB
The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub is poised to become the global leader in precision fermentation and biomanufacturing — an industry expected to grow to $200 billion over the next 15 years. Leveraging biology as a manufacturing technology of the future, iFAB is uniquely uniting world-class R&D, industry leaders, innovative startups, scalable infrastructure, abundant feedstock production, unparalleled transportation networks, and strong relationships with corn and soybean suppliers within a 51-mile radius. This unique lab-to-line approach establishes the iFAB region (Champaign, Piatt, and Macon counties) as the preeminent destination for the biomanufacturing industry.

Story Source(s)
Beth Conerty
Carly McCrory-McKay
Nicole Bateman

Chancellor Robert J. Jones

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WAND

Rooted in Renewal: Primient Commits $700M Investment for Sustainable, Plant-Based Future

Posted on by Nicole Bateman

[Decatur, Illinois] March 7, 2024 – Primient, a leader in plant-based food and industrial ingredient production, has announced capital investment exceeding $700 million across the company’s operational footprint.

Celebrated at the “Rooted in Renewal” event on this day at the company’s iconic A.E. Staley era “castle in the cornfields” administration building, the comprehensive 5-year phased investment sets a new industry standard – reflecting Primient’s commitment to its deep corn milling roots, its strong position as a market leader, and a visionary approach towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Strategic Investment, Purposeful Modernization

Primient’s investment strategy is already working to drive purposeful modernization in critical production assets and processes, ensuring the highest quality, most reliable production for decades to come.

“The scale of investments —particularly in the Decatur operations—is unmatched in our industry and clearly signals our ambition to be the partner of choice now and for the future,” stated Jim Stutelberg, CEO, Primient.

While upgrading Primient’s Decatur site is key to unlocking potential across the business, significant planned investments extend to Primient’s wet milling operations in Lafayette, IN and Loudon, TN where operational and infrastructure upgrades are already working to deliver material step changes in essential unit operations such as refining and drying.

In addition to the milestone investment, Primient continues to set itself apart in the corn wet milling industry as the only corn wet miller to completely phase out coal and transition to more sustainable energy sources across all facilities. These strides are primary differentiators as the company builds to win across the opportunities of the bioeconomy.

As part of the expansion, the company received an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit which provides the company an incentive for job creation in Decatur.

Celebrating a Legacy of Partnership at Every Level

Joining the event were elected officials and industry leaders, collectively demonstrating widespread support for Primient’s vision and growth. “I couldn’t be prouder to join Primient leadership as they announce a historic $400 million capital investment in their Decatur site,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This doesn’t just secure Primient’s status as a market leader—it speaks to their commitment to serve as a true community partner. And on every measure, it is our shared goals—from advancing environmental sustainability to promoting economic development—that bind us together. On behalf of the State of Illinois, we couldn’t be more excited to see all that Primient achieves over the coming years.”

Echoing the sentiments of state and company leadership, Decatur Mayor Julie Wolfe Moore said, “Primient’s investment in its Decatur operations reinforces the company’s long-standing position as a community leader and signifies strong confidence in our shared future. We are proud to partner with them as they lay the foundation for the next generation, ensuring that Decatur is ready to step into the potential of the bioeconomy.”

About Primient
Primient is a leader in the plant-based food and industrial ingredient industry, rooted in a pioneering legacy and investing for industry excellence for our people, partners, and communities.

 

MEDIA CONTACT
JODI SILOTTO
jsilotto@dccmarketing.com