When Monee Trustee Michael Wilson hinted that something big was about to happen there, it raised residents’ hopes for a grocery store.
It turns out that wasn’t what the “something big” was, but it is something very good for the village: a major addition to the industrial district.
“We have been fortunate to have large global companies like Amazon, Mobil One, South Holland Metal Works, Reynolds Consumer Products and Voortman Steel make our village a place they want to do business,” Mayor Therese Bogs said.
“Tonight, I’m pleased to announce another longstanding, family-owned global manufacturer will be bringing their business to Monee.
“This company is Mi-Jack Lanco International.”
The company has distribution centers in numerous cities across the country, and reportedly rakes in about $1 billion a year in revenue.
Jimmy Lanigan, whose family owns the company, said the company has 1,200 employees and four manufacturing companies.
Mi-Jack Lanco was founded in 1954 and is recognized as an industry leader and innovator in Travelift and Translift Rubber Tired Gantry crane manufacturing, sales, service and support. Mi-Jack is also “a major player in intermodal, industrial, and construction equipment, specializing in cranes.”
As an interesting side note, the Lanigan family “is heavily involved in IndyCar racing, with Mike Lanigan being a co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.” Comedian and talk show host David Letterman is also a co-owner.
Jimmy Lanigan said during the Jan. 28 board meeting that Monee “has always been a really special place to me” and that he attended Crete-Monee Junior High from 1988 to 1990.
“We do plan on being operational with our assembly by Q3 this year,” he said.
“We just really look forward to being a part of this community.”
In other business during the meeting, Trustee Scott Youdris reported that
“Unfortunately, the extreme cold does not hinder criminal activity.
“Between January 20 and 23, Monee Police took three reports of burglary to motor vehicles.
“In all three incidents, forced entry was made into each vehicle by the offenders and they were all Dodge/Jeep vehicles. It appeared that the offenders were attempting to steal the vehicles but fortunately were unsuccessful in all three incidents. Investigators have reviewed surveillance video and have submitted evidence to the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services for analysis.
“The public is reminded that the Monee Police Department still has a stock of steering wheel locks free of cost to the Village of Monee residents.”
Also in his report, Youdris noted that on January 25 Monee Emergency Management Agency “went into Storm Mode to monitor the Winter Storm. The Board Room was opened as a Warming Center. Despite Arctic Temperatures and 5-6 inches of powder type snow Monee was fortunate to escape the forecasted wind. Great Communication between all Departments and Monee Fire during this weather event.”
In another matter, the board recognized Peggy Sue Cash for her fundraising efforts that reaped enough money to buy three protective vests for Police K-9 officers, including Monee’s K-9 Cap.
“Just like everyone else in Monee,” Mayor Bogs said, “Cap happens to be her all-time most favorite officer.
“Miss Peggy Sue Cash,” Bogs said, “you have been a great supporter and champion for the Monee Police Department. You are not just an integral part of our family. You are a leader. You lead by example and you follow your heart with action. We cannot begin to express our appreciation for the person that you are.”