By Karen Haave
Voortman Steel’s expansion of its Monee facility has elicited a level of excitement not often seen in Will County villages. A ceremonial groundbreaking last week drew a happy crowd to the site of the planned development at 25715 S. Ridgeland Avenue.
Voortman purchased the 27-acre property last year to increase their operations in the United States, making Monee their U.S. Headquarters. Based in the Netherlands, the company was looking for a new location when Monee Economic Director Bill Barnes coordinated efforts with ownership of the former Rainbow Farms site as a location for their operations.
Voortman is constructing 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.
A leading global 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 from humble beginnings in 1968. From its early days building steel structures, to developing steel processing machines, the company now has 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 past decade.
Local dignitaries and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker offered congratulations to the company during the groundbreaking.
In his comments, Pritzker announced Voortman’s $51.4 million investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, that will enable the company to purchase and develop new property, while increasing capacity by growing its talented workforce.
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. In calendar year 2023, companies in the EDGE program committed nearly $900 million in investments in Illinois communities across the state.
“With new incentives and nation-leading energy abundance and among the best workforce training, Illinois, once again, has become a destination for businesses looking to expand in Illinois and those looking to move here,” he said.
“We’re proud to be the U.S. 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.”
Dr.Therese Bogs, mayor of Monee, said, “It’s a beautiful day to celebrate a monumental occasion for the Village of Monee. Today, we gather to mark the groundbreaking of Voortman Steel’s new state-of-the-art steel plant and corporate office.
“In a time when many companies are choosing to relocate or leave the State of Illinois, Voortman Steel’s decision to expand their operations right here in Monee is a testament to the strength of our community and the attractiveness of our business climate.
“This investment by Voortman Steel will have a significant impact on our local economy. It will create higher-paying jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen our community. We are incredibly grateful for Voortman’s commitment to Monee and the surrounding area.
“During the past few years, Voortman Steel has become an invaluable partner to our community. Their dedication to excellence, innovation, and corporate social responsibility aligns perfectly with our own values. We are proud to have them as a part of our community.
“As we break ground on this momentous day, we look forward to a bright future together. A special congratulations,” she added, “to Mark Voortman, Adrian and Ben Morrall, and to the Voortman team.”
She later summed up the event, saying, “What a great day it was.”
Bill Barnes, Monee Director of Economic Development, recalled meeting with Voortman representatives in 2022, and said: “Two years ago, I met Adrian Morrall at this very site, as Voortman Steel was looking for more land than they currently occupy in Monee – a 20,000 square foot office and showroom area.
“While the 27-acre property was too large for their immediate needs, their company grew during the next year, and we returned to this very spot, and now this is the place Voortman will build their U.S. Headquarters for manufacturing and technical support. We are excited for what this will mean for Voortman, as well as the global recognition and visitors their presence will bring to our community.”
Voortman Steel Machinery President Ben Morrall noted, “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.
“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.”