Gov. Pritzker attends ribbon cutting for solar-powered manufacturing facility in Mt. Vernon

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KFVS) — Governor JB Pritzker was in southern Illinois on Thursday, August 28.

He stopped in Mount Vernon first.

Governor Pritzker joined local and state leaders for the opening of the new, 100 percent solar-powered Manner Polymers advanced manufacturing facility.

“Powered by clean energy and serving a variety of industries, Manner Polymers will serve as a catalyst for an exciting new era for economic development in Southern Illinois—one built on high-growth industries of the 21st Century,” Governor JB Pritzker said in a news release. “The company’s investment in Illinois speaks to our highly qualified and skilled workers, strong manufacturing ecosystem and supply chains, unmatched infrastructure, and competitive incentives.”

The new 80,000 square foot facility will reportedly be powered by an on-site 15-acre solar field.

“I’m proud to officially welcome Manner Polymers to Southern Illinois as they begin their manufacturing operations in a new, state-of-the-art facility right here in our great city,” Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis said. “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his ongoing support as Mount Vernon ushers in economic growth and new job opportunities.”

According to a release from the governor’s office back in 2023, the new facility will manufacture a variety of PVC compounds, including automotive PVC compounds for use in electric vehicles and components for solar panels.

They said the new Manner Polymers facility is expected to create more than 60 jobs for the southern Illinois region.

In addition to a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois incentive package, Manner Polymers invested $54 million to support the construction of this new facility.

“This project is not only a win for Illinois’ manufacturing industry, but also for the state’s growing clean energy economy,” Senator Terri Bryant (R–Murphysboro) said in the news release. “I was thrilled to hear about Manner Polymers’ commitment to Illinois and optimistic about the economic impact this state-of-the-art production facility will have on our state’s economy.”

After the ribbon cutting in Mt. Vernon, Pritzker attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Shawneetown Port.

The governor’s office said the event celebrated a $14.1 million public and private investment in economic activity on the Ohio Riverfront.

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