Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), has announced the beneficiaries of the 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program. This year, a total of $1.35 million will be distributed among 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers throughout Illinois. The initiative aims to promote innovation, efficiency, and growth within the state's manufacturing sector.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the significance of the program: "Illinois is a globally-recognized manufacturing hub and the Made in Illinois Program is designed to support the small and mid-size manufacturers that make up a crucial part of our economy." He added that the grants would help companies enhance their competitiveness, foster economic development, attract capital, and generate jobs statewide.

Kristin Richards, Director of DCEO, stated: "Illinois has always been a leader in manufacturing, with small and mid-sized companies playing a vital role in driving innovation and growth across our state." She reiterated that the program underscores their commitment to providing local manufacturers with essential resources.

Administered by IMEC with funding from DCEO, the Made in Illinois Grant Program offers matching grants up to $50,000. These funds are intended for strategic projects aimed at boosting innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. In 2025 alone, $1.35 million was awarded to support projects representing an investment exceeding $38.3 million statewide.

David Boulay, Ph.D., President of IMEC remarked: "The Made in Illinois Grant Program continues to reflect our commitment to helping Illinois manufacturers innovate, grow, and compete."

One recipient company is Aztec Plastic Company based in Chicago. Andrew Wielgus, COO of Aztec Plastic Company shared how their grant will be utilized: "The Made in Illinois Grant allows us to finally have the option of upgrading our technology from 3 Axis to 5 Axis machines."

This year's recipients include companies such as Allnex in East St. Louis employing 72 individuals; Apparel Redefined located in Crestwood with 53 employees; and Steel Grip Inc. based in Danville employing 125 people.

Since its inception in 2024, the Made in Illinois program has provided over $3 million in capital grant funding to 69 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois.