PERU, IL – State and local leaders visited Carus to witness the announcement of a major expansion in its LaSalle manufacturing facility. With a total investment of $20 million, the plant will be modernized, and additional production capacity will be added.
The construction work for the expansion at the LaSalle manufacturing site has already begun and is expected to be operational by the end of the year.
Allen Gibbs, Carus Vice President of Operations, says the project is driven by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer service. “We are upgrading and expanding our facility and continue to modernize operations with a focus on reducing waste and maximizing sustainability.”
State Senator Sue Rezin said, “This investment not only contributes significant dollars to the city of LaSalle and surrounding region, it has a multiplying effect because it gives others confidence to invest in our region and state.”
State Representative Lance Yednock said, “With a job-creating manufacturer like Carus making an investment of this proportion, this will help our region in so many ways to make this a better place to live and work.”
Other local leaders were also in attendance, including Mayor Jeff Grove of LaSalle, Mayor Ken Kolowski of Peru, and Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Zens. The group was joined by Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers Association and Mark Biel, CEO of the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois.
“We are very grateful for employers like Carus who contribute such a significant amount to our city; it definitely strengthens our ability to serve the community better,” commented Mayor Grove.
Ever since the LaSalle plant was built by Edward Carus in 1915, the company has continuously invested in new processes and equipment and become a world market leader with its products, which are being sold around the world. Carus operates several manufacturing facilities in other locations in the country.
“Despite many political uncertainties and economic challenges, my family and I are pleased that this expansion is happening in LaSalle,” said Inga Carus, Chairman of Carus. “It is another investment in the future of Carus, its employees, as well as in LaSalle and Starved Rock Country. We would like to be a manufacturer in LaSalle for another 100 years.”
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