Global water pump manufacturer Grundfos broke ground on the site of its new North American headquarters in Downers Grove, Ill.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully joined Grundfos executives Søren Sørensen and Jes Munk Hansen in ceremoniously initiating construction on the office and unveiling the LEED-certified design concepts for the space.
Sørensen, Grundfos Group Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Grundfos North American Board, explained the importance of Grundfos North America to the global business strategy: “North America is one of our most important growth markets and is the world’s single largest market for pumps with a total market of $6.5 billion. To grow our share of this market, we will continue to invest in product development, local production, and our workforce. We will grow our sales to $1 billion by 2017, and as a consequence of our growth, we anticipate adding a significant number of jobs in the U.S.”
A global leader in developing high-tech water pumps and systems, the $4 billion company based in Denmark chose the Chicago area because of its proximity to the resurging manufacturing sector surrounding the Great Lakes and its open political climate promoting advancements in water infrastructure and sustainability.
According to Hansen, president of Grundfos North America, “The Chicago area is emerging as an important hub for the water industry and is one of the reasons why we’re establishing our North American headquarters here. Governor Quinn and the state of Illinois have shown commitment to water issues, most recently through his $1 billion initiative to upgrade water infrastructure across the state, and we anticipate playing a major role in the further development of critical water initiatives in the state and around the country.”
Governor Pat Quinn, who recently launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative to protect public health, create thousands of jobs and overhaul the state’s aging water infrastructure, welcomed Grundfos to Illinois. Grundfos’ president of North America Water Utility recently joined Governor Quinn during a trade mission to Mexico.
“I am pleased that Grundfos has chosen Illinois as the location for their North American headquarters,” Governor Quinn said. “Illinois continues to be one of the best places to do business in the world, and my Clean Water Initiative has made Illinois even more attractive for international businesses like Grundfos. Today’s announcement will grow our economy and strengthen our water infrastructure, while creating jobs.”
The company is quick to add that local aspects also attracted its focus on the area such as world-class airports with access to local, regional and global flights and its strong talent pool for hiring in leadership, staff and support functions.
“Our community continues to be one of the premier locations for corporate headquarters and large office development projects” said Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully. "Grundfos is a world-class company and we are proud to have them in Downers Grove."
Sustainability is a major priority for Grundfos. In addition to manufacturing energy- and water-efficient pumping solutions, the company is committed to reducing its own impact on the environment. For its new headquarters, it is pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver for Commercial Interiors, the recognized system for certifying high-performance green tenant spaces, and will meet the following criteria:
- Water Efficiency: The office will take advantage of low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption by at least 20 percent in the café area.
- Energy and Atmosphere: Up to 84 percent of office appliances will be Energy Star-approved and none of the heating, ventilation or air-conditioning equipment will use chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants. The office will also optimize energy performance by reducing power lighting density by up to 35 percent below industry standards and by utilizing occupancy sensors in at least 75 percent of lighting to prevent empty rooms from wasting energy.
- Materials and Resources: The headquarters will feature an area dedicated to the collection and storage of recyclable materials and up to 75 percent of construction waste will be diverted to recycling facilities rather than landfills. Furthermore, the office’s furniture, carpet, ceiling tiles and other materials will feature at least 20 percent recycled content.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Smoking is not allowed in the building or within 25 feet of doors, windows or heating, ventilation and air-conditioning intakes. In fact, the office will exceed industry ventilation requirements by a minimum of 30 percent. Adhesives, sealants, paintings, coatings and flooring systems will use materials with low volatile organic compounds, which are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids that may have adverse health effects. The design takes advantage of daylight and views while maintaining comfortable temperatures.
- Sustainable Site: With more than ten basic services located within half a mile of the headquarters, employees can access what they need without getting in a car. In addition, two bus stops are within a quarter mile of the office, making public transportation a convenient option.