Culligan, a leading global innovator of advanced filtration and water softening solutions for more than 75 years, has opened a new, expanded facility at 1540 Harris Road in Libertyville, Illinois. The expansion features 217,000 square feet of prime manufacturing, assembly, warehousing and office space. Approximately 75,000 square feet is dedicated to manufacturing – triple the capacity of Culligan's previous facility.
Dan Seals, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, joined Allan Connolly, Chief Operating Officer, Culligan, representatives from the United States Department of Commerce, local government and the Illinois business community at today's opening ceremonies. Distinguished attendees included Julie Carducci, Office Director, United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Commercial Service, and Terry Weppler, Mayor, Libertyville, Illinois. The 280 guests also included customers, members of Culligan's dealer network, and suppliers from throughout the region.
"I would like to thank Mr. Seals, Ms. Carducci and Mr. Weppler not only for taking part in our celebration today, but also for their tireless efforts to support and promote business in our state and in our local area. Culligan's expansion in Libertyville creates exciting new possibilities for water solutions in the global market. With three times more manufacturing space and the ability to house design through manufacturing under one roof, we are certain to reach new levels of innovation, productivity and speed," said Connolly.
"I would also like to thank our valued partners – our franchise dealers, suppliers and customers – for being instrumental in our success. The Culligan dealer network has helped countless homeowners and businesses in their local communities around the world appreciate the Culligan name and the quality it represents. And to our dedicated employees, a heartfelt thank you for the exceptional skills, enthusiasm and teamwork that you bring to the job every day. This expansion is a testament to each of you, and to the spirit of partnership that defines our working together towards a common goal," he added.
Connolly also applauded Illinois Governor Pat Quinn for focusing on the importance of access to clean water through the $1 billion Clean Water Initiative. Launched last fall, this initiative is aimed at ensuring that every resident in Illinois has access to safe, clean water.
"I am committed to building on our state's global leadership in the water technology industry," said Governor Quinn. "As one of the pioneers in water treatment, Culligan is deepening its business commitment to Illinois with this expansion and contributing to our state's growth as a water hub."
Besides tripling the manufacturing space, the Libertyville facility also features two full bays of assembly floor space for large jobs, with lifting capacity of 50,000 lbs. (two 25,000 lb. cranes) plus a second crane area with 10,000 lbs. of lifting capacity. This floor provides the space needed to execute large, complex capital projects that include Culligan's portfolio of technologies used in industrial markets such as oil & gas, food and beverage, and energy and power. In addition, the expanded space enables Culligan to assemble as many as five mobile water treatment containers at one time, speeding delivery for customers who need mobile solutions for fast response, supplemental, temporary or emergency situations.
The Libertyville facility also provides additional office space, enabling Culligan to bring together design and application engineers and project managers in one location, streamlining the development of solutions for clients across a wide array of industries.
Approximately 70 employees work at the Libertyville facility. In all, Culligan employs more than 200 people in Illinois including staff at its global headquarters located in Rosemont, representing the majority of its US-based staff and approximately 10 percent of its employees worldwide. Company representatives anticipate that the new facility will generate a number of jobs in the Libertyville area. In addition to direct company employees, Culligan has 35 dealers in Illinois, each of which has its own group of employees.
About Culligan
Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan International Company is a world leader in delivering water solutions that will improve the lives of their customers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration products. Culligan's products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems, and solutions for business. Culligan's network of franchise dealers is the largest in the world, with over 800 dealers in 90 countries. For more information visit: www.culligan.com.