Multi-national company relocates domestic corporate headquarters to Rosemont
CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a $1.14 million investment package for Fonterra USA, Inc., the world’s leading exporter of dairy products, to relocate their domestic corporate headquarters to Rosemont. In addition, Fonterra will also move its pilot dairy research plant, located in Guadalajara, Mexico, to Chicago, in a move that will create 50 new jobs. The state’s investment supports a $2.7 million investment by Fonterra, and comes as a part of Opportunity Returns, the Governor’s comprehensive economic development strategy to create jobs and build the economy in Northeast Illinois.
“We are very excited to be working with Fonterra to help establish its corporate headquarters in Illinois. This investment will contribute to a stronger regional economy, which will help create new jobs in the state and opportunities for the company to grow in the future,” said Gov. Blagojevich.
“By creating a pro-growth business environment, Gov. Blagojevich is helping companies like Fonterra create a strong market presence in Illinois. We are very pleased the company has decided to locate its domestic headquarters right here in Northeastern Illinois and look forward to Fonterra’s continued growth for many years to come,” Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said.
“The decision by Fonterra to relocate to Chicago makes perfect sense considering Illinois’ reputation as an agricultural leader. This move is a good example of the industrial diversity that can be supported in the state and why we continue to be a national business leader,” said Representative Michael P. McAuliffe (R-Chicago).
“I’m pleased that Fonterra is locating its facilities in Illinois. This investment will bring new jobs to the region, and further develop Chicago’s reputation as a world-class business center,” said Representative Angelo Saviano (R-River Grove).
“We’re committed to investing in the State of Illinois, creating jobs here and we’re grateful to the DCEO and Gov Blagojevich for their support. Coming to Illinois brings Fonterra closer to key customers, suppliers and centres of dairy research excellence in the traditional North Central heartland of the American dairy industry,” said Andrei Mikhalevsky, Managing Director of Fonterra Global Ingredients.
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 creation and Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce.
“The addition of Fonterra presents a tremendous opportunity for the state to expand our global ties. It also places Fonterra in a strong position to grow its U.S. operations, by locating within a major business epicenter and increasing accessibility to their suppliers. By making investments such as these, we’re investing in new jobs for people and creating economic development for the entire region,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin stated.
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.
About Fonterra USA
Fonterra USA, Inc. (Fonterra) is an innovator and world leader in the science and composition of milk. Fonterra wholesales fresh dairy products and manufactures dry, condensed and evaporated dairy products. It is recognized as having one of the world’s largest dairy dedicated innovation functions and is acknowledged globally for expertise in taking milk apart and putting it back together for new innovative dairy applications.
About Fonterra Co-operative Group
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Fonterra is the world’s largest dairy exporter and the fifth largest dairy company in the world, with annual turnover of NZ$14 billion.
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As New Zealand’s largest and truly multinational business, Fonterra trades in 140 countries.
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Our portfolio includes dairy ingredients, liquid and powdered milks, cultured foods and yoghurts, butter, cheese and specialty foodservices products.
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Our brands include Anchor, Anlene, Anmum, Fresh n’ Fruity, Mainland, Peters & Brownes, Tip Top, Chesdale and Bega.
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