GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION IN ITP GRANTS

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced more than $1.6 million in Industrial Training Program (ITP) funds to train nearly 500 new workers and upgrade the skills of approximately 8,200 current workers.

The grants have been awarded to seven companies that will use the funds to train employees in Dupo, Bloomington, Rolling Meadows, Bradley, Henry, Downers Grove and Chicago.

"Illinois must continue to build on its reputation for well-trained workers," Ryan said. "When companies seek to relocate or expand in Illinois, highly skilled workers often top their list of priorities. It is crucial that we equip our workforce with the skills necessary to succeed."

Under the Fiscal Year 2000 budget annually approved by lawmakers, ITP funding increases by $7 million, to more than $24 million. The increase allows an estimated 450 additional Illinois companies to train and provide job skills for nearly 12,000 workers.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) administers the Industrial Training Program grants on a competitive basis.

"We appreciate the legislature's support of our request for an increase in ITP funding," DCCA Director Pam McDonough said. "This will give us one more tool to keep jobs and economic development expanding in Illinois."

A list of ITP grants is attached.

This company produces antibiotics and plasma-based medications. Training will include quality, safety and operational regulations required by domestic and foreign regulatory agencies. Management training, teamwork and job-related technical skills are also included. Training will be provided by internal staff and external training vendors.

Decorative Surfaces International, Inc.
Dupo, Illinois
$ 39,799

Production is being transferred from St. Louis to Dupo, Illinois. Training will consist of various types of safety training and the operation and maintenance of equipment. The training will be provided by two internal instructors and seven training vendors.

Ford Motor Company Chicago Assembly Plant
Chicago, Illinois
$700,000

The Ford Assembly plant in Chicago is proposing a training project for 16 of its Illinois-based supplier companies. Training will include tool and die skills, machine repair, quality training and safety. The training will be provided by a combination of internal instructors, community colleges and training vendors.

The GEON Company
Henry, Illinois
$ 21,171

More than $20 million will be invested in the Henry facility to upgrade existing equipment and modernize the facility. The improvements will enhance safety systems, product quality and capacity. Training will consist of maintenance, lab, computer and OSHA courses. Training will be provided by outside vendors and GEON staff.

NACO, Inc.
Downers Grove, Illinois
$138,560

NACO is a manufacturer of metal castings, primarily for the railroad industry. Workers are being trained for the implementation of a sophisticated integrated computer system. Extensive computer training will be provided by internal staff and ROI Professionals, an external vendor.

Nestle' USA, Inc.
Bloomington, Illinois
$132,868

Nestle' is expanding production at its Bloomington facility, the former Kathryn Beich plant. Training will include an overview of business, mechanical and electrical fundamentals, equipment training, quality and a chocolate technology course. Training will be provided by corporate personnel, internal instructors and Northern Illinois University.

3 Com Corporation
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
$205,524

3 Com is in the process of consolidating research, design, support and sales functions at its Rolling Meadows facility. Skills to be taught include orientation, an overview of the company's computer system, process improvement and management ability. The majority of the training will be provided by external vendors.