Quinn Administration Announces New Jobs at FedEx Packaging Facility Grand Opening

GRAYSLAKE - September 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the opening of a new FedEx facility in Grayslake that would result in the creation of more than 450 new jobs, including managers, clerical staff, maintenance workers, drivers and more. Local officials, FedEx representatives and Assistant Director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Dan Seals gathered today to officially open the facility, which was supported by the state with an estimated $500,000 business investment package to strengthen the company's $38 million private investment.

"My administration is committed to continue pushing for job creation and pounding the pavement to help businesses grow and expand," Governor Quinn said. "Although the nation faces difficult economic challenges, Illinois can continue to rebuild its economy by working to encourage investment in our state as we have with FedEx and countless other businesses."

The new 206,000 square-foot highly-automated distribution center is expected to process about 63,000 packages per day between the Midwest and the rest of the country. DCEO is administering the state's $500,000 business investment package, which consists of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits based on job creation and Employer Training Investment Program job training funds that will help enhance the skills of the company's workforce.

"We are pleased that FedEx Ground has chosen Illinois as the location of their newest distribution center," DCEO Assistant Director Dan Seals said. "With investments like this, we are continuing to fuel the state's economic growth, creating jobs and supporting Illinois businesses."

FedEx Ground is North America's second largest ground carrier for business-to-business and business-to-residential small package transportation services. With six locations in northern Illinois, FedEx Ground is the only small-package ground carrier operating a network of automated facilities and ships more than three million packages each business day. FedEx is responsible for thousands of jobs in Illinois.

Governor Quinn's aggressive business agenda is creating jobs, growing the economy and encouraging economic development in every region of the state. DCEO has a wide range of programs and services available to help businesses of all sizes remain competitive. For more information, please visit www.illinoisbiz.biz.