The state of Illinois has granted Rolling Meadows-based Weichai America Corp., a subsidiary of Weichai Group in Weifang, China, $1.1 million in tax incentives to construct a research center and increase its workforce. The firm had been considering shifting its operation to Canada. In July, the firm, which manufactures diesel engines, powertrain systems and core accessories, received a 7B property tax incentive from Cook County for a new $2 million construction project.
To build the research center, the company will internally demolish and renovate the two-story 166,772 sq. ft. Unilever building containing at 3100 Golf Rd. in Rolling Meadows, which it bought two years ago. The construction and major technology upgrade will cost the firm at least $8 million.
A nearby high-tech supply base, large number of customers and the availability of highly skilled employees led the firm to decide on Rolling Meadows instead of Canada. “Illinois was attractive to Weichai America because of its central location in the United States and its conducive environment for growing businesses. Weichai America looks forward to continued cooperation with local, county and state agencies as our commercial activities expand in these new markets,” said company president Houman Kashanipour.
Under Illinois’ Edge tax credit program, the firm will expand its workforce to 53 from the existing 21 over the next 10 years, said David Roeder, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “This is an expansion to provide some high-quality jobs to the northwest suburbs.”
