News roundup: Three companies celebrating and expanding upon their Illinois roots

From advanced manufacturing to life sciences, recent corporate developments in Illinois demonstrate the importance of location, talent, and a legacy of innovation and success.

John Deere expands in Illinois with new distribution center in Mattoon and first office in Chicago

Image Source: John Deere Media

John Deere announced plans to open a new distribution facility in Mattoon this spring that will employ over 200 workers in the agricultural machinery company’s warehousing, packaging and logistics operations.

The 1.1-million-square-foot facility, which will support growth in John Deere’s Aftermarket & Customer Support business, features 41 loading docks, 11 drive-in doors, and two interior rail spurs with interior loading.

News of this expansion comes after John Deere’s first venture into Chicago, where it opened a new office in the Fulton Market District with plans to hire 150 IT professionals.

Based in Moline, John Deere has been a fixture of Illinois business and manufacturing since 1836 and ranked No. 84 on the Fortune 500 in 2022.

“John Deere’s new technology center in Chicago is just one example of the innovation and investment Illinois is inspiring with our top-tier talent and world-class infrastructure,” said Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

CSL Behring celebrates 70 years of life-saving biotech in Kankakee County

Global biotechnology company CSL Behring marks 70 years of life-saving innovation in Illinois this year since opening its Kankakee County facilities in 1953. The company’s primary location along Route 50 now covers 140 acres with more than 40 buildings and 1,500 employees – making it one of the largest biotech sites in the world.

Historically part of the Armour company in Chicago in the 1800s, CSL Behring’s Illinois roots run deep. Contributing to the Spanish Flu vaccine in the 1900s and helping to cure polio in the 1950s, the biotech company continues its pioneering legacy with cutting-edge medical solutions, such as those to help patients in surgery and treat emphysema.

In recent years, the company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its facilities, establishing its presence in Illinois for many more years to come.

Peoria non-profit provides jobs for people with disabilities and plays a critical role in Rivian EVs

When electric vehicle maker Rivian was looking to optimize delivery van production on a large order for Amazon, they found a helping hand from homegrown talent through Peoria

Production Solutions. Located only a town over from Rivian’s factory in Normal, the not-for-profit neighbor reduced assembly time for a critical cargo cooling system from 12 minutes down to just 45 seconds.

Image Source: Rivian Media

The relationship is beneficial for both companies. Rivian is increasing efficiency in fulfilling an order of 125,000 delivery vans for online retail giant Amazon, while Peoria Production Solutions is providing good manufacturing jobs.

Some 60% of Peoria Production Solutions’ more than 300 employees have some form of disability. Founded in 1941 to provide jobs to people recovering from tuberculosis, Peoria Production Solutions creates job opportunities for people with a variety of disabilities, including vision impairments, mobility challenges, and autism.

As its business partnerships grow, Peoria Production Solutions President Dan LaTurno plans to expand its reach throughout Illinois, with new facilities in Bloomington-Normal, Galesburg and Springfield.