Wieland North America, a key player in the production of copper and copper alloy components, has pledged a whopping $500 million to bring its East Alton facility up to speed, a move that aims to retain 800 jobs across Illinois. The modernization project, supported by the state's government, is part of the newly minted Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) initiative which will also boost electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy production in the area.
This investment is the culmination of a year-long negotiation between the Illinois government and Wieland to ensure Illinois would secure this significant investment. The upgraded plant will mirror the Wieland's sophisticated facility in Vöhringen, Germany, which was toured by Governor JB Pritzker and Wieland CEO Dr. Erwin Mayr, to permanently ensure the growth in Illinois. As Wieland's CEO, Dr. Erwin Mayr expressed, "Copper is not only integral to the energy transition, it is the foundation of a sustainable future," according to a statement released by the Illinois government.
According to the same press release, the renovation will focus on installing a new hot rolling mill to upscale the efficiency and output quality for EVs and renewable energy pieces. Greg Keown, President of Wieland Rolled Products North America expressed his gratitude to state and local officials and hailed the project as "a shining example of how public-private partnerships are intended to work."
In addition to modernizing its facility, the incentive package provided by the State of Illinois to Wieland is valued at an approximately $231 million, which includes capital funding for infrastructural improvements like a new electricity substation in East Alton. Wieland will be able to receive nearly $172 million in tax benefits spread over 30 years through REV. "This investment will help bolster the State of Illinois' clean energy economy and is an investment in the future of manufacturing jobs in East Alton," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards in a statement obtained by the Illinois government.
Wieland's commitment underscores both Illinois’ industrial legacy and the state's appeal as a hub for the skilled workforce, robust supply chains, and strategic location. Their decision to reinvest aligns with a series of economic growth incidents within the EV and clean energy sectors across Illinois, as spotlighted by the construction of the Gotion EV battery gigafactory and other initiatives in the region. Representative Katie Stuart from Edwardsville lauded the continued investment in the area, expressing excitement over the region's potential, per the Illinois government release.
The modernization move has also garnered praise from other local officials who see it as a significant boon for Metro East communities, with Representative Jay Hoffman from Swansea citing state investments in infrastructure and workforce development as critical factors in attracting such projects. Meanwhile, Representative Amy Elik of Alton highlighted the importance of state, federal, and local collaboration and cooperation that led to the realization of the investment, ensuring the retention of skilled manufacturing jobs in East Alton.
