Investment package to save UPS jobs, company to modernize Rockford facility

From press release

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) announced Dec. 21 his administration is assisting UPS with a business investment package that will result in at least 3,000 Illinois jobs being saved. The state is providing a $24 million business investment package to UPS, which will help to leverage $91 million in private investment that will be used to improve and modernize two important Illinois-based UPS facilities, including the Rockford facility.

Quinn said: “UPS is a major employer in our state, providing good jobs and benefits to its hard-working employees. It’s important the state works with such a fine company to protect jobs, while helping to build a foundation for future growth and greater employment. By making targeted investments, we are strengthening our workforce, building our economy and creating an environment where business can thrive.”

Without the state’s business investment package, UPS would have seriously considered moving ahead with a cost-savings plan that included facility restructurings and operational consolidation, which could have resulted in significant job loss in Illinois. UPS has 35 locations throughout the state.

George Brooks, president of UPS North Central Region, said: “UPS is pleased and appreciative of the state’s actions to help maintain the scope of our current operations in Hodgkins and Rockford. Our long-term objective is to maintain and grow our business in the state of Illinois.”

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will be administering the business investment package, which will be in the form of Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credits over a 10-year period and employer training funds.

DCEO Director Warren Ribley said: “To get our economy back on track, we must invest in companies that are investing in the people of Illinois. Our investment in UPS will help keep thousands of jobs and create greater economic growth throughout the northern Illinois region.”