German Company to Open First U.S. Manufacturing Site in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today welcomed Schleifring Medical Systems to Illinois. The German-based company plans to open its first manufacturing facility in the United States in Elgin, resulting in 32 new jobs.

"I want to congratulate Schleifring Medical Systems on their expansion efforts in North America," Ryan said. "The fact that this company could have chosen any one of the fifty states and selected Illinois is a clear indication that our economic development efforts are being recognized not only in boardrooms across this country, but across international borders as well."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) is assisting Schleifring Medical Systems with worker training assistance through the Industrial Training Program (ITP) and may also be eligible for tax credits through the Economic Development Through a Growing Economy (EDGE) program.

"It's a testament to Governor Ryan's economic development and marketing efforts that a company like Schleifring is locating its first U.S. facility in Elgin," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "In addition to over thirty new jobs, Schleifring's role in the medical technology industry will provide tremendous growth opportunities in the future."

Schleifring currently operates two manufacturing facilities near Munich, Germany and a third factory in England. Initial production at the Elgin site will focus on large electromechanical slip ring assemblies used in the medical equipment industry for Computer Tomography (CT) machines.

"The management of Schleifring Medical Systems wants to thank Governor Ryan and the State of Illinois, as well as a number of Elgin based organizations for making our decision to locate in Illinois an easy one," said John Rice, CEO of Schleifring Medical Systems, "including the Illinois Employment Training Center, The Elgin Economic Development & Business Services, The Elgin Community College, The American National Bank. Special thanks to the Elgin Chamber of Commerce which worked tirelessly to facilitate and coordinate the entire decision making process. Schleifring Medical Systems appreciates the cooperation, support and assistance the many state and city agencies expended solving our problems and addressing our needs and we look forward to a successful business relationship with the community of Elgin and the State of Illinois."