Governor Announces New Manufacturing Facility In Monee

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that Whiting Corporation, a Harvey, IL-based manufacturer of overhead traveling cranes, railcar maintenance equipment and metallurgical products, broke ground on its new manufacturing facility. The 200,000 square foot facility, expected to retain 250 local jobs, will be located in Monee, IL.

"The Whiting Corporation has been an Illinois institution since the turn of the century," Ryan said. "I'm glad that they chose to remain in Illinois and contribute to the strong business climate here."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DDCA) provided the Whiting Corporation with a $250,000 ITP (Industrial Training Program) grant which will enable the company to train the 250 employees and expand in Illinois.

"The purpose of the Industrial Training Program is to give businesses the resources they need to train Illinois workers on the latest industrial technology, and keep high-tech, well-paying industrial jobs in Illinois," added DCCA Director Pam McDonough.

Under the Fiscal Year 2000 budget, ITP funding increased by $7 million to more than $24 million. The increase allows an estimated 450 additional Illinois companies to train and provide job skills for nearly 12,000 more workers.