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Pekin manufacturer to expand, add 100 jobs

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Excel Foundry & Machine in Pekin has announced plans to expand its operations and create about 100 new jobs over the next two years.

In a news conference Tuesday that was attended by Gov. Pat Quinn and several state and federal legislators, the company said it will build a 3,373-square-foot addition to the foundry at 14463 Wagonseller Road in Pekin, an 8,600-square-foot addition to its offices and a 108,750-square-foot warehouse adjacent to the foundry.

The project, which will be paid through a $7.4 million investment by the company and $1 million in state tax credits from its Economic Development for the Growing Economy program for job creation, will add 100 jobs to Excel Foundry's existing workforce of 230 people.

In addition, the company will receive an Employer Training Incentive Program grant to help enhance the skills of its workforce. The state's investment is contingent on the company meeting its investment and job numbers, according to the governor's office.

Also, Tazewell County will receive a $750,000 Community Development Assistance Program grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and more than $859,000 through the Illinois Department of Transportation's Economic Development Program for road improvements to accommodate the expansion, the governor's office said.

It said the state's investment will help Excel, which makes bronze parts for the mining industry, expand its global footprint and boost economic development in North Central Illinois.

"Illinois' strong manufacturing tradition is due in large part to the strength of our workforce, our ability to help companies to move product quickly and our investments in infrastructure," Quinn said. "Excel is one example of how supporting our small and mid-sized manufacturers continues to increase Illinois' competitiveness."

"I am pleased that Excel will continue its tradition of manufacturing excellence right here in Illinois," said Warren Ribley, director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "Through projects such as this, we are keeping our manufacturing sector strong, creating jobs for the future and supporting our long-term economic growth."

"Providing safe, reliable infrastructure is critical to protecting and creating jobs," added Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. "We are proud to contribute to a project that will help a local company grow and invest in the community."

U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria, also attended the news conference and said about Excel, "Even in these tough economic times they are investing in the future and growing their company. This is great news for the local economy and job creation."

About the Author
Paul Gordon is the editor of The Peorian after spending 29 years of indentured servitude at the Peoria Journal Star. He’s an award-winning writer, raconteur and song-and-dance man. He also went to a high school whose team name is the Alices (that’s Vincennes Lincoln High School in Indiana; you can look it up).