Pritzker Administration and Flender Corporation Announce Manufacturing Expansion in Elgin

Carol Gieske President and CEO of the Elgin Area Chamber | Carol Gieske LinkedIN

By North Cook News reports

Mar 31, 2023

Governor JB Pritzker, Flender Corporation and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that Flender will expand its current manufacturing facility in Elgin – creating 50 new full-time jobs and retaining 140 existing full-time jobs. New investments will enable the company to expand its manufacturing operations – including gear boxes for wind turbines – creating jobs and contributing to the economic development in the community.

“I’m thrilled that the team at Flender has recognized what companies like Google, Ferrero, Rivian, and so many more have—Illinois is an incredible place to do business with one of the strongest workforces in the country,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Not only will these added jobs uplift communities and put individuals on a career path to success, they will also build a better future by powering the growing clean energy economy in Illinois.”

Flender Corporation – which has had a manufacturing presence in Illinois since 1976 – is a leading global manufacturer of mechanical gears for industrial applications, including wind turbines. Flender’s drive components are installed in approximately thirty percent of wind turbines worldwide. The Flender Elgin Facility supplies and repairs gearboxes that are vital to the critical infrastructure needs of North America including renewable energy.

“Flender has a long history of manufacturing and employing people in the greater Elgin area. With the support of Governor Pritzker and DCEO, we are able to continue here in Illinois and also locally support the transition to renewable energy. That makes us the partner of choice for a sustainable future,” said William Galdo, President and CEO of Flender Corporation.

As part of the expansion, the company received an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit, which stipulates a goal of making a significant capital investment and creating 50 jobs and retaining 140 jobs. A link to the full agreement can be found here. In calendar year 2022, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $1 billion in investments in Illinois communities across the state.

“Flender’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint serves as a testament to Illinois’ growing clean energy manufacturing landscape,” said DCEO Director Kristin A. Richards. “Through EDGE, DCEO is proud to work with Flender Corporation as they create and retain nearly 200 jobs and add to the vibrant business landscape in Elgin.”

As Illinois moves toward its goal of achieving zero-emissions by 2045, renewable energy such as wind and solar, as well as clean energy manufacturing play an increasingly critical role in economic development and energy transition efforts. Through EDGE and through expanded tax incentives through Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV), Illinois is poised to grow its clean energy manufacturing exponentially in the coming years.

“Flender's expansion is a win for both Elgin workers and our clean energy economy,” said State Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Illinois has smartly positioned itself to be a hub for innovation and manufacturing in the clean energy sector, and we aren't stopping now.”

“Flender is proving once again that with a world-class workforce, excellent transportation networks, and high quality of life, Illinois is a great place to invest in,” said State Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles). “When we see European companies choose Illinois for expansion, we know we are doing something right. I'm proud that creating jobs and giving the Governor the tools to do so has been a bipartisan effort.”

“As a champion for manufacturing, I am thrilled that Flender will be expanding in Illinois,” said State Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake). “Kane and McHenry County has some of the best-trained manufacturing workers in the world, and I look forward to visiting wind farms that have gearboxes made right in my district.”

Flender headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, is a leading global supplier for mechanical and electrical drive systems and has the reputation for highest performance, innovation, quality, and reliability of drive components for more than 120 years. Flender has around 9,000 employees globally. Since 1976 the company is serving the Americas from its location in Elgin, Illinois. Flender offers a broad variety of gear units, couplings and generators and associated services, with a focus on key industries such as wind power, cement, mining, oil & gas, power generation, water and wastewater, marine, conveyor and crane technology. Flender products and services combine the latest technology with extremely high quality and have been reliably providing the optimal transmission of power for decades. Further information is available on the Internet at www.flender.com.