Chicago Construction News staff writer
A $5.5 million expansion is planned for Wiegel’s Wood Dale headquarters, funded in part by Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) incentives. The expansion will enable the company to integrate new technology to help meet the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy products, marking a significant step in Illinois’ clean energy transition.
“With every new investment, Illinois is growing its clean energy economy — and today, I’m proud to announce Wiegel’s $5.5 million expansion in our great state,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “Thanks to REV Illinois incentives, Wiegel’s investment will not only build critical technology for the renewable energy sector but also create good-paying jobs that strengthen our workforce.”
The expansion includes a new facility addition that will increase manufacturing capacity and efficiency at Wiegel’s Wood Dale location, as well as the purchase of advanced machinery. The new equipment will allow Wiegel to produce copper busbars, a key component used in electric vehicle manufacturing, for the growing EV market.
Founded in 1941 by Otto Wiegel as Industrial Tool Works, the family-owned company has evolved into a global leader in tool and die stamping, product assembly, and battery component manufacturing. The business is now led by the third generation of the Wiegel family, with Aaron Wiegel serving as president and CEO.
“We would like to thank all involved for approving Wiegel for this program,” Aaron Wiegel said. “Illinois’ continued support in grants throughout our history has helped propel Wiegel to become a world-class manufacturer. This investment will enable us to expand into the fast-growing energy transition sector, and we’re excited about the opportunities it will bring.”
Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, praised Wiegel’s commitment to innovation, saying, “REV Illinois is changing the way we do business in Illinois. Wiegel is an Illinois innovator who has responded swiftly to market changes, and their investment in the electric vehicle space will help reduce our carbon footprint while strengthening our workforce.”
The REV Illinois program is designed to provide competitive incentives to manufacturers in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. In addition to its recent investment, Wiegel has been a longstanding partner with the state, receiving support through Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) and Apprenticeship Education Expense tax credits, which have helped the company expand internationally and invest in workforce development.
Wiegel’s expansion is part of a broader wave of investments in Illinois’ clean energy and electric vehicle sectors. Recent REV Illinois agreements have supported companies such as EV manufacturers Rivian, Ymer Technology, and Bedrock Materials, all of which are helping to shape the state’s future in the global energy transition. This follows landmark projects like Gotion’s $2.4 billion EV battery gigafactory in Manteno, marking the largest EV battery investment in state history.
