Ryan Breaks Ground For Quaker Oats Plant In Danville

DANVILLE -- Governor George H. Ryan today joined city officials, local legislators and plant management to break ground on a three-story, 50,000 square foot expansion to the Quaker Oats plant for improvements to their ready-to-eat cereals and snacks line.

"This is a great day for the City of Danville and the entire State of Illinois," Ryan said. "Rather than leave Danville for a different city in a different state, Quaker Oats will retain all 514 jobs and add 100 new jobs and $40 million in capital investment."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) worked with Quaker in an effort to keep the Danville plant open. DCCA will provide job training assistance for new and existing workers at the facility. In addition, the company will be eligible for Enterprise Zone and EDGE tax credits.

"Through our Industrial Training Program we were able to provide targeted assistance to Quaker that will upgrade the skills of workers at the plant," DCCA Director Pam McDonough said. "Had Quaker left Danville, it would have been devastating for the community. Governor Ryan realized the impact closing the plant would have on Danville and personally lobbied Quaker to keep it open."

Quaker Oats has been provided with $202,500 of Industrial Training funds for 45 new employees and for retaining 315 workers; $700,000 Large Business Development Program grant, as well as a 75% Enterprise Zone property tax abatement from the Danville/Tilton Enterprise Zone, which has been renewed until 2014.

The Danville facility was opened in 1969 and produces ready-to-eat cereals and snacks.