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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Method Products Opens Flagship Manufacturing Campus In Chicago’s Pullman District

04/29/2015
Method Products, a company that produces planet-friendly home, fabric and personal care products formulated with naturally derived, biodegradable ingredients, opened its flagship manufacturing Campus in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s south side.

The 150,000 square foot ‘South Side Soapbox’ is the first new factory to be built in Chicago’s Pullman district in more than 30 years and is the first LEED-platinum certified factory in its industry. The facility will provide nearly 100 green manufacturing jobs for local residents by the end of 2015, and will provide public access to green space on its 22-acre site.

“This is a huge day for us and for sustainable manufacturing. The South Side Soapbox – a transformative facility in a neighborhood with exceptional history – is bringing a new standard of manufacturing to the world,” said Drew Fraser, Global CEO of Method. “Business can and should be a powerful force for good and our factory represents the intersection of sustainability, innovation, flexibility and partnership.”

The company’s production hub includes product manufacturing, bottle production, warehousing and distribution. Half of the facility’s annual electrical needs are produced by an on-site refurbished wind turbine and solar energy trees. Renewable energy credit purchase provides the balance for the facility to operate on 100 percent renewable energy in its first two years. Additional energy conservation features include a 1,520 square foot succulent green roof covering the entry walkway; light-reflecting concrete and rooftop; warehouse and distribution center skylights; and a 120 gallon solar powered water heating system.

“Pullman is a wonderful example of how Chicago’s communities embrace the past and plan for the future. Method’s new manufacturing facility celebrates the innovation responsible for driving our city’s 21st century economy while at the same time, respecting the rich culture and history of the community and bringing critical new jobs to the community,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “And now that Pullman is home to America’s newest national monument, we expect more businesses to locate here and bring further economic investment to this great neighborhood.”

The City provided $8.1 million in Tax Increment Financing assistance for site acquisition and preparation of the new Method facility. Pullman is one of seven opportunity areas designated as part of Chicago Neighborhoods Now, which works to drive investment in neighborhoods throughout the city.

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