Medline Industries, Inc. to Expand in Mundelein

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced the State of Illinois is assisting Medline Industries, Inc. with plans to expand the company's current facility in Mundelein. The project will result in 243 new jobs and the retention of another 920 current workers.

"Medline's decision to expand here in Illinois is a clear indication that our economic development policies are working," Ryan said. "Over the past twenty-two months we have taken great strides to boost Illinois' business development and take advantage of the nation's booming economy.

"This project is a reflection of both Medline's business success and the State's ability to attract and retain high quality jobs for its residents."

Medline is investing $14 million in the expansion project. The State of Illinois is making tax credits available to the company through the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Program and is offering worker training through the Industrial Training Program (ITP) which is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA).

"The Governor's creation of the EDGE program has not just leveled the playing field for Illinois against other states, it has tilted that field in our favor," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "When you combine a tax incentive program like EDGE with the overall business atmosphere in Illinois, our transportation and communications infrastructure, and the availability of a quality workforce, it doesn't make much sense for companies to look anywhere else."

Medline was founded in 1966 but its roots date back 90 years when it started as a garment manufacturer. Since then, Medline has grown into America's largest privately-held national manufacturer and distributor of health care supplies and services. Today, Medline manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 medical products, encompassing medical-surgical items and one of the largest textile lines in the industry. Medline's sales in 2000 will exceed $1 billion for the first time in the company's history.

"We appreciate the cooperation from Governor Ryan, DCCA and the Village of Mundelein in our efforts to expand our business," said Jim Abrams, chief operations officer for Medline. "The governor's EDGE program certainly gave us strong incentive to remain at our current location and create a positive environment that will enable us to flourish and grow."