New Manufacturing Facility Coming to Galesburg

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that as a result of a cooperative effort between the public and private sectors, Advanced Minerals Corporation will locate a new 30,000 square-foot mineral processing plant in Galesburg. The facility will produce new, high performance, industrial mineral products and will ultimately lead to more than 30 new jobs.

"I want to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this project to Knox County," said Ryan. "Illinois is tough to beat when you link the skill and knowledge of local officials with the powerful combination of state incentives available to expanding companies."

Advanced Minerals is eligible for tax credits through the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Program (EDGE). The City of Galesburg is also receiving a $300,000 grant through the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) for infrastructure improvements to the site. Both EDGE and CDAP are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA).

"Governor Ryan and I have always maintained that economic development begins at the local level," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "This new mineral processing plant is a testament to that belief and to the hard work of local economic development officials in Galesburg and Knox County."

Galesburg was selected from 13 sites in Illinois and Michigan following a nearly year-long search process. This project represents the first project for the recently formed Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association (GREDA).

"The public partnership of the City of Galesburg, Knox County and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, along with the public-private partnership of the City, County and local businesses, has made this proejct possible," said Greg Kistler, GREDA's Chairman of the Board. "These partnerships ensure the continued economic viability and health of the Galesburg/Knox County area. Our development team from the private sector includes Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Illinois Power, whose assistance aided in securing this project."

Advanced Minerals Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of World Minerals Inc., the world's leading supplier of premium quality diatomite and perlite products, marketed through a worldwide network of sales offices in 14 countries. The diatomaceous earth and perlite products, essential to many industrial applications, are marketed worldwide under several brand names, and are recognized as the brands of choice in their geographic regions.

"Advance Minerals is looking forward to a prosperous and rewarding relationship with the City of Galesburg, the State of Illinois and its future employees," said Ken Schweigert, Senior Vice President - Western Hemisphere, World Minerals, Inc.

Construction of the $13.3 million plant is scheduled to start in the spring of 2002 with production to begin mid-summer of 2003.