MONEE — Senate President Don Harmon and State Senator Patrick Joyce celebrated Tuesday’s groundbreaking on Voortman Steel Machinery’s new facility in Monee. Voortman’s $51.4 million investment will allow the company to purchase and develop new property in Will County, grow Illinois’ manufacturing sector and create new, good-paying jobs for the area.

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

Founded in the Netherlands in 1968, Voortman Steel has grown into a leading manufacturer for plate, beam and pipe steel processing machines. Bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois Fund, Voortman Steel’s Monee expansion represents another step forward for Illinois’ advanced manufacturing sector.

“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 Harmon (D-Oak Park).

The warehouse expansion in Monee is just another example of Illinois’ investment in economic growth and manufacturing that continues to draw businesses to the state. Incentives offered include tax credits, investment matching, workforce development programs and more. Through the EDGE credit Voortman Steel received, the company committed to a $51.4 million investment, creating 51 new full-time jobs and retaining 40 full-time jobs.

Pending an executed agreement, the company will also receive Invest in Illinois funding. Senate Democrats supported the creation of the Invest in Illinois Fund last year as a tool to help make Illinois more attractive when vying for large projects in highly competitive sectors.

The expansion is planned to be completed by 2027. View the EDGE agreement on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website.