IL: Method to Open First U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Chicago, Hire 100

Officials from Method joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel and representatives from Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration to announce that Method will open a flagship manufacturing facility in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s south side. The new space, which will bring about 100 manufacturing jobs to Chicago, comes after a long effort to bring the company’s first U.S manufacturing facility to Illinois. 

“Today marks a milestone in our quest to attract jobs and companies to the City of Chicago,” said Mayor Emanuel. “A fast-growing company like Method could have chosen any city to expand their company, but with our world-class business services, our international market access, and our highly-skilled workers, they chose Chicago as the place to build their first manufacturing center in the U.S.  With their commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability, I am proud to welcome Method to the city of Chicago.”

“Method’s decision to put its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Illinois not only recognizes the strength and skill of the Illinois manufacturing workforce and our region’s logistics expertise, but also bolsters our position as a hub for green technology,” said  Governor Quinn. “Illinois is leading the way to a sustainable future by attracting companies and jobs that make our state a healthy place to live, play, work and grow.”

The facility will be located near the intersection of East 111th Street and South Doty Avenue in Pullman Park. Method expects to break ground in November 2013, and be fully up and running by early 2015.

Attracting and retaining manufacturing jobs is a key component of the city’s economic development plan, the Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs, produced by World Business Chicago at the mayor’s request. Additionally, promoting jobs in our neighborhoods and promoting green jobs are key focuses. Method’s choice demonstrates the City of Chicago continues to be the ideal choice for cutting-edge companies.

Governor Quinn has made it a priority to invest in Illinois’ manufacturing base and expand the state’s green economy. Under Governor Quinn’s leadership, the state of Illinois has worked diligently to identify companies with the potential to bring jobs and economic growth to Illinois. The state has added 216,000 private sector jobs since January 2010, when job growth returned to Illinois following a two-year period of declines during the recession.

Method, one of the fastest growing private companies in the nation, creates naturally derived home, fabric and personal care products. Committed to designing innovative, safe, environmentally conscious products, Method is a certified B Corporation, with social and environmental change a company objective. In 2012, Method became the world’s largest green cleaning company after its acquisition by Ecover. The company is going to seek LEED certification for the building, which will be designed to be an environmentally friendly facility.

“Building a world-class manufacturing plant is pivotal for us as a leader in innovative and sustainable products and the support from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have been integral in our considerations,” said Drew Fraser, CEO of Method. “Chicago’s commitment to job growth and its business-friendly environment truly helped make this opportunity possible for Method.   We are proud and excited to build a facility that inspires our community, our great consumers, and our industry.  We aim to demonstrate our commitment to the region and hope to play a vital part in the growth and prosperity of the area.”

“The opportunity to build our first manufacturing plant in Chicago marks a milestone in Method’s journey of aligning our interests as a business with the interests of society and the environment. The Pullman neighborhood of Chicago not only has a rich industrial heritage that serves as a fitting backdrop to an inspiring new model for urban renewal and sustainable manufacturing, there is a strong spirit and work ethic among this community,” stated Adam Lowry, Co-Founder and Chief Greenskeeper of Method. “As a native of the Great Lakes region, I’m particularly grateful to be returning to the Midwest to help create manufacturing jobs and green-collar jobs in Chicago that will help build strong, prosperous communities.

Method plans to move to the historic Pullman neighborhood in Chicago’s 9th ward, continuing the process of transformation occurring in the area. Pullman is one of the neighborhoods in Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Neighborhoods Now program, which works to drive investment to targeted areas around the city. Tens of millions have been invested in roads, parks, streets, and more in the Pullman neighborhood. Pullman has been designated as one of the 2011 “10 Great Neighborhoods” by the American Planning Association, Method’s flagship location will create a destination spot for visitors and Chicago residents alike.

“I am thrilled Method has chosen the Pullman neighborhood for their new facility,” said 9th ward Alderman Anthony Beale. “Pullman is currently undergoing a process of restoration; Method’s arrival will certainly continue the neighborhood’s revival, spurring economic growth as their facility becomes an engine of development and a community attraction.”

Method’s location was made possible, in part, by the efforts of the Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI), a neighborhood-based community development organization designed to strengthen Chicago low-to moderate-income communities. CNI focuses on economic development and neighborhood revitalization, including large scale commercial real estate development, residential neighborhood preservation, New Markets Tax credits deployment and microlending. The Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives recent work in the neighborhood includes Pullman Park, a 180-acre retail, housing, park, and recreation space.

The City expects the Developer (CNI) to apply for between approximately $8-9 million toward the reimbursement of TIF-eligible expenses, including but not limited to site acquisition and site preparation.  The City will also provide TIF funding for job training.  In addition, the company is applying for credits under the State's Enterprise Zone program.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering the state’s business investment package. Method will be eligible for tax credits worth $1.1 million over ten years based on creating and retaining 65 jobs. The tax credits are linked to performance and the company is not eligible for them unless it meets its commitment to create new jobs and invest in the community. Method will also be eligible for training grants to enhance the quality of its workforce.

About Method

Founded in 2000, Method is the pioneer of premium planet-friendly and design-driven home, fabric and personal care products. Formulated with naturally derived, biodegradable ingredients, Method cleaners put the hurt on dirt without doing harm to people, creatures or the planet. Today, Method can be found in more than 40,000 retail locations throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Major national retailers include Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers and Kroger. Method is a privately held company headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. For more information, visit www.methodhome.com.