Governor Announces Auto Component Manufacturing Plant Coming to Southern Illinois

MARION -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that Aisin U.S.A. Manufacturing, Inc. will construct a $20 million automobile component manufacturing facility in Marion. Construction on the 150,000 square foot building is scheduled to be completed by June of next year, and the company plans on employing approximately 200 people by the end of 2002.

The project is the result of a county-wide cooperative effort coordinated by the Regional Economic Development Council (REDCO) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA).

"This is a tremendous announcement for all of Williamson County that represents a huge investment in the people of Southern Illinois," said Governor Ryan. "I also want to commend the local officials from the various municipalities and organizations for coming together on a project that will have far reaching economic benefits for the entire region."

The State of Illinois is providing assistance to Aisin U.S.A., through a number of programs including funds to assist in training new workers through the Industrial Training Program (ITP). The company is also eligible for tax credits through the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program and will also benefit from being located in an Enterprise Zone. DCCA oversees each of the programs. The Illinois Department of Transportation is also providing funding through its economic development program for improvements on Route 13 and an access road into the REDCO Industrial Park where the facility will be located.

"Economic development begins at the local level," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough, "and this is a tremendous example of that concept at work. The regional cooperation that made this project a reality should be looked at as a model to promote business growth in other areas of the state."

Carterville, Herrin, Marion, the Williamson County Airport Authority, and the Williamson County Board of Commissioners, which are all members of REDCO, participated in the effort to bring the project to Marion. The City of Marion will provide the sewer to the site while the City of Herrin will provide water.

"We want to thank Governor Ryan and the staff at DCCA for their involvement in bringing this project to fruition," said REDCO President and CEO Dutch Doelitzsch. "The economic development programs the Governor has put in place reflect the pro-business climate that exists here in Illinois."