Corporate expansion project success leads to recognition for Illinois
CHICAGO, IL – A pair of leading site selection publications, Area Development and Business Facilities, rank Illinois among the top in key corporate expansion categories such as job creation, clean energy, and FDI projects, exemplifying the state’s emboldened strategy and achievements in business attraction.
In the just-released 2025 rankings, Business Facilities recognizes Illinois as first in the nation for nuclear energy generation — a showing that demonstrates the state’s strength in energy reliability and its commitment to moving toward a carbon-free future. Illinois is a net exporter of energy and last year generated over 99 terawatt-hours of nuclear energy. The state has the most nuclear power reactors in operation in the U.S.
Business Facilities’ annual rankings help guide decision-makers in corporate expansion and relocation. Illinois ranks in the top 10 in the following categories:
- #1 Nuclear Energy (Generation)
- #5 FDI (By Projects) (Up from #6 in 2024)
- #5 Agribusiness
- #5 Exports (By Value) “$80.8 Billion” (Up from “78.7 Billion in 2024)
- #5 Wind Power (Installed MW)
- #6 AI Job Hubs (Up from #9 in 2024)
- #7 Cybersecurity Talent
- #7 Solar Power (Growth) (Not ranked in 2024)
- #8 Film and TV
- #9 AI Job Market
- #10 MedTech/Medical Devices (Not ranked in 2024)
“Team Illinois’ efforts to elevate our state’s standing as a preeminent business destination are paying off, as evidenced by the separate recognitions from Area Development and Business Facilities,” said Intersect Illinois President and CEO Christy George. “From site readiness to workforce development, we’re laser-focused on putting Illinois on the best footing for long-term economic prosperity.”
Illinois last month secured a prestigious Area Development Silver Shovel award — its second in as many years — for its standout performance in job creation and capital investments. Companies that made significant investments in Illinois during 2024 include Compass Datacenters, Wieland, PsiQuantum, and Primient.
Wieland broke ground on a $500 million modernization project in March that will keep 800 jobs at its East Alton facility. Illinois is a leader in the quantum revolution due to projects like the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, where PsiQuantum, with a planned 300,000 square-foot footprint, is the anchor tenant. Primient, a sustainable food and industrial ingredients producer, is making a $400 million investment to its Decatur operations.
“Illinois continues to prove its strength as a national player, with strategic investments in technology and infrastructure that reflect both resilience and forward momentum,” said Area Development Editor Andy Greiner.
These recognitions come on the heels of Illinois’ top 5 placement in the nation for Fortune 500 headquarters, No. 2 placement for corporate expansion projects by Site Selection, and its highest-ever overall ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business list.
Intersect is devoted to bringing more jobs and businesses to Illinois in accordance with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s five-year plan for economic growth.
RELATED POSTS
