Chicago Construction News staff writer
A new Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement was announced as officials gathered to break ground on Prysmian Group’s expanded facility in Du Quoin to increase cable manufacturing for the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.
“I’m pleased to share that Prysmian Group is expanding its operations in Southern Illinois by 100,000 sq. ft., creating 80 new jobs which expands its workforce by more than a third, and strengthening Illinois’ fast growing clean energy industry,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Employers are recognizing Southern Illinois’ quality workforce, the fact that we sit at the hub of a world-class rail network, and that two-thirds of the country lives within a day’s truck drive from the region.
“What they’re learning is that Southern Illinois is the best place to grow their businesses.”
Prysmian Group plans to invest $63.8 million on the expansion that will add more than 100,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and seven major pieces of equipment, including a two-line expansion for renewable cable production. The expansion will also help modernize the existing infrastructure and implement an Energy Management System within the facility.
“This expansion will produce cutting-edge, high-quality, sustainable products that not only help enhance the grid – by increasing reliability, preventing blackouts and reducing overall maintenance costs,” said Andrea Pirondini, CEO of Prysmian Group North America. “Ultimately, we will ensure we have the capacity needed, when it is needed, in order to ensure we can build an electrical grid that’s built for the future.
“As we work to help harden the grid across the U.S., Du Quoin will play a large role in that.”
Prysmian Group produces custom CL Advantage medium voltage collection cables, which are used to conserve energy by decreasing the amount of line lost during transmission. The cables are used for wind and solar energy applications and are a key component of underground substation and distribution systems. The Illinois plant also produces a component part of a number of solar collection systems along with a cable that delivers electricity to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and homes being modernized for energy and grid efficiency.
“This is the second time in two months that Southern Illinois is celebrating a major manufacturing announcement. I hope everyone is starting to see the pattern,” said State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).
The comprehensive REV Illinois incentive package encourages manufacturers to invest in renewable energy, while aligning with the state’s initiative to increase production and usage of EVs. Prysmian Group was eligible through REV due to manufacturing renewable energy components.
Illinois expanded REV to include smaller manufacturers, increased the value of the credit for companies locating in underserved communities, and doubled the length of benefits.
Companies interested in learning more about REV benefits can visit ev.Illinois.gov.
Prysmian is the third recipient of a REV incentive package; details of the agreement can be found here.
