New Manufacturing Facility Coming to Paris, Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that North American Lighting, Inc. (NAL), which is headquartered in Flora, will construct a new manufacturing plant in Paris. The 150,000 square foot facility, when completed, will employ close to three hundred people. The company, which also maintains a manufacturing site in Salem, had considered building the plant in Indiana.

"I want to thank officials from North American Lighting for choosing to bring this project to Illinois, and congratulate them on their continued growth," Governor Ryan said. "NAL's presence is already strong in southern and southeastern Illinois with nearly 2,000 workers, and this new venture will further broaden their role in the state's business community."

NAL is eligible for tax credits through the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Program and for workforce training funds through the Industrial Training Program (ITP). In addition, funds from the Business Development Public Infrastructure Program (BDPIP) will be made available to the City of Paris for infrastructure improvements related to the project. All of the programs are administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) .

"NAL's growth here demonstrates that Illinois has the right business climate for companies looking to expand," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "Governor Ryan's economic development policies are helping DCCA provide targeted support to companies such as NAL that provide new job opportunities for Illinoisans."

NAL is one of the leading suppliers of lighting assemblies for the U-S automotive industry and is owned by Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Japan. Operations are scheduled to begin in June, 2002 at which time the plant's work force will produce leading edge automotive lighting products, including the new HID (high intensity discharge) type of forward lighting that is becoming more prevalent in the automotive market.

"The State of Illinois, Governor Ryan and the community of Paris continue to demonstrate a commitment to creating high quality manufacturing jobs for their citizens," said NAL President/CEO Dan Robusto. "I wish to express on behalf of our board, officers, employees and customers our sincere thank you to all involved in this process for the unselfish sacrifice of their time and energy to bring this planned expansion to Paris and Edgar County, Illinois."

"The Company's decision to site their new manufacturing plant in Paris is the result of a cooperative effort between NAL, PEDCO, the City and the State of Illinois," said Chris Patrick, President of the Paris Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO).

"The City Commissioners and I are very pleased that North American Lighting is locating their new facility here," said Paris Mayor Dale Francis, "and we would like to thank PEDCO and the State of Illinois for all of their assistance and support."