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Lafarge North America Relocating its US Headquarters From Virginia to Illinois

Area Development News Desk

04/19/2012

Lafarge North America, a cement, aggregate and concrete manufacturer, will invest approximately $10 million to relocate its U.S. headquarters from Virginia to Chicago, Illinois, creating an estimated 100 jobs during the next few years.

By moving its U.S. headquarters to Illinois, Lafarge will gain access to the state's pool of highly-skilled workers, world-class transportation infrastructure and central location, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's office said. While the firm did not disclose the exact site of its new facility, it will be located near O'Hare International Airport.

"Illinois is one of the best places to do business in the world," said Gov. Quinn, who met with the firm's senior executives during a recent European trade mission. "Our message to large and small business owners is simple: We want you in Illinois and we have everything you need to grow your business in our state. We welcome Lafarge and tomorrow we look forward to more global corporations choosing Illinois, "Quinn said.

The state is providing the firm with a business investment package worth about $6.3 million over 10 years to leverage the company's private investment. The package will also support job training for workers and economic development, and is contingent on the company meeting its investment and jobs numbers.

"As a leader in the building materials industry, it is important to us to be close to our operations and to our customers to help provide them with sustainable construction solutions. The location around O'Hare and along the I-294 corridor is an ideal area for us because it is central to our U.S. footprint. We also appreciate Illinois' commitment to other sustainable infrastructure projects," said John Stull, CEO for Lafarge North America's U.S. Cement and Aggregate & Concrete operations. "We thank Governor Quinn and the state of Illinois for welcoming us and we look forward to becoming part of the dynamic Chicago business community," Stull added..

Lafarge North America in the United States already employs approximately 300 employed in Illinois. Lafarge is also eligible for an Employer Training Investment Program grant to help increase the skills of its workforce and Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credits, which are based on job creation.

"Lafarge North America's relocation to Illinois shows that our state has what companies need to grow," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Acting Director David Vaught. "Illinois has one of the largest economies in the world and with companies like Lafarge, we're going to advance our global competitiveness."