CHICAGO - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced nearly $1.8 million in Opportunity Returns support for Carlisle SynTec Incorporated, a leading single-ply roofing systems manufacturer in Bond County, to help the company build a new distribution warehouse and upgrade its existing manufacturing facility in Greenville. The business investment package will allow the company to retain nearly 240 jobs in Illinois.
“For the Illinois economy to remain strong and vibrant, it is essential that our manufacturer’s stay competitive. By taking a hands-on approach to the needs of manufacturers and responding with targeted resources, we can help companies like Carlisle SynTec reach new levels of productivity. This investment will ensure that a quality company will continue growing its business and providing good jobs for our working families in Southwest Illinois,” Gov. Blagojevich said
Carlisle SynTec Incorporated is planning to increase its capacity to manufacture EPDM sheeting, mixed rubber stocks and accessories in its Greenville plant. The company is investing in equipment, technology and material that will enable the plant to meet the increased demand, and it is constructing a new 294,000 square foot distribution warehouse to expand the capacity and efficiency of its operations.
"We appreciate Gov. Blagojevich's commitment and support for this important project. This renovation and expansion will allow us to maintain a competitive edge in the industry and ensure we can continue providing the quality and service our customers have come to expect from Carlisle SynTec," said Carlisle SynTec Vice President of Manufacturing Tom Timmerman.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering the business investment package. It includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits over the next ten years based on job retention; a Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grant to the city of Greenville on behalf of Carlisle SynTec; Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce; as well as additional financial benefits, such as sales tax exemptions and tax credits for job creation, resulting from the company’s location within an Enterprise Zone.
The city of Greenville will use the CDAP grant to extend and upgrade Peterson Industrial Drive to facilitate the construction of Carlisle SynTec’s new warehouse on an adjacent 2.6-acre tract.
"This public-private partnership is a great investment in the strength and vitality of the region's economy. I am committed to retaining and creating more good jobs for the people of Greenville and Southwest Illinois. Strengthening the foundation of the manufacturing industry in our region will help create even more opportunities and more jobs down the line," said State Senator Frank Watson (R-Greenville).
“Gov. Blagojevich and I believe that the best way to help businesses meet their constantly changing needs, and stay productive and profitable in the marketplace, is to provide hands-on support. Investments like these are essential to creating an attractive business environment that helps companies like Carlisle SynTec thrive and will fuel more economic growth across this region,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
Carlisle SynTec Incorporated, headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, has been manufacturing single-ply membrane roofing systems for more than 40 years. To date, over 10 billion square feet of Carlisle roofing membrane has been produced. Carlisle is a business segment of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL) and has manufacturing facilities in Carlisle, Greenville, IL Senatobia, MS, and Tooele, Utah.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.