North America’s largest roofing manufacturer to build 450,000 Sq. Ft. plant, employ more than 70 workers.
(Peru, IL) GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has announced an $80 Million, 450,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Peru just north of I-80 and west of Plank Road on the OmniTRAX rail line. Construction on the facility, which will manufacture the company’s EnergyGuard™ line of products, is expected to break ground in the third quarter of this year with production beginning on the site in 2024.
“GAF is the latest example of a manufacturer choosing Illinois for their long-term future, and it’s no wonder: our world class infrastructure, competitive incentives and unmatched workforce are the foundation of GAF’s commitment. Peru and the entire Illinois Valley are a community of dedicated workers and I’m pleased that GAF is expanding its existing Illinois operations,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Upon the announcement, Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski said, “Today is a momentous day for the city of Peru and our continuing efforts to keep expanding the job base in Peru for the benefit of all Peruvians as well as our community partners in our 3-county region.” Kolowski added “All should know that the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Intersect Illinois again played major roles in helping bring this opportunity to Peru.”
Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals added “GAF found a great site with a skilled workforce and access to rail. We are proud they chose to be in Illinois.”
“GAF’s growth is fueled by a deep commitment to serving our customers with innovative products and outstanding service. This investment in Peru is a clear demonstration of this commitment,” said Jim Schnepper, CEO of GAF. “Peru’s proximity to our customer base, transportation infrastructure and access to outstanding manufacturing and engineering talent make it an ideal location for us to continue our growth.”
Peru’s new GAF plant will join 35 other GAF manufacturing facilities across 27 locations within the United States. GAF is currently headquartered in Parsippany, NJ and engaged the national site selection firm of J. M. Mullis, Inc in Memphis, TN to do a multi-state search for the ideal site, and eventually recommended Peru to GAF.
Mayor Ken Kolowski commended the Peru economic development team of Alderman Jim Lukosus, liaison to the city council and the mayor on economic development, Bob Vickrey Director of Economic Development, Eric Carls P.E., Director of Engineering & Zoning, Justin Miller, CPA MPA Director of Finance, Chamlin and Associates Peru’s consulting engineers, Scott Schweickert Peru City Attorney, Special Counsel and TIF Attorney Herb Klein of the law firm of Jacob and Klein/The Economic Development Group, the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Ean Johnson VP of Industrial Development OmniTRAX owners of Peru Industrial Railroad, and Illinois Valley Community College for their help during the many months of collaboration with J. M. Mullis, Inc. to encourage recommending Peru to GAF.
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Additional quotes:
Alderman Jim Lukosus: “I am extremely proud of our economic development team in that GAF selected Peru as the preferred site after researching numerous site options in Illinois and neighboring states.”
Eric Carls, Director of Engineering and Zoning: “I expect this development to be the first phase of additional industrial development along the OmniTRAX rail line and the I-80 corridor in North Peru. The J. M. Mullis team and their professional approach to negotiations and shared desire to bring a quality, community-oriented manufacturing company to the City of Peru made this project possible.”
Justin Miller, Director of Finance: “The partnership created between the City of Peru, GAF, and the J. M. Mullis team is a wonderful example of economic prosperity in our community. I hope this project becomes a ripple in a wave of industrial developments in Peru’s future.”
Bob Vickrey, Director of Economic Development: “Illinois Government has good people and good procedures. Between the grunt and glory of this announcement our friends at UIRVDA, Illinois Department of Commerce and Intersect Illinois helped Team Peru shine it up, smooth it out and make it better. Then J.M. Mullis tuned it up, took it out for a ride for the world to see and GAF executives like what they saw. Team Peru thanks you for your professionalism and dedication to further economic development in the state of Illinois.”
Dean Piacente, OmniTRAX CEO: “This new GAF facility illustrates how companies are leveraging the powerful benefits of rail and real estate to grow domestic manufacturing. OmniTRAX is proud to provide a safe, reliable, and efficient transportation solution to meet the needs of our new partner.”
Scott Schweickert, City Attorney: “In today’s uncertain economic climate, the city could not ask for a better partner. GAF is a strong and innovative American company; an industry leader making essential products that are in high demand. This is a huge win for Peru and the surrounding community.”
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