Intermountain Electronics Boosts Southern Illinois Economy with Expansion
In a significant move for Southern Illinois, Intermountain Electronics has committed over $15 million to expand its manufacturing presence in Centralia, Illinois. This investment will add more than 108,000 square feet of manufacturing space, create 60 new jobs, and retain the company’s existing workforce.
Governor JB Pritzker expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion, emphasizing Illinois’ strong manufacturing tradition. “Illinois has a storied tradition as a manufacturing powerhouse, and we are thrilled Intermountain Electronics chose to expand in Centralia. The company’s expansion will advance our clean energy production, create new jobs, and support Southern Illinois communities,” said Pritzker.
The expansion aligns with the state’s growing focus on clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton highlighted the impact on the state’s economy, stating, “This investment will create good-paying jobs, strengthen Southern Illinois’ economy, and help ensure our state remains at the forefront of innovation, energy reliability, and workforce development for years to come.”
The expansion is part of a broader trend of clean energy companies investing in Illinois, joining others like Cache Energy, Nano Nuclear, and Richardson Electronics.
CEO Bobby Houston of Intermountain Electronics reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Centralia and the broader U.S. manufacturing sector. “This investment reinforces our commitment to Centralia and to manufacturing in the United States,” Houston said. The Centralia facility, which started with just 12 employees in 2012, is expected to grow to over 200 employees by 2028.
The expansion focuses on increasing the production capacity of Power Distribution Units (PDUs), essential components for renewable energy and AI applications. “Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone not only for Intermountain Electronics, but for the Centralia community,” said Tim Benedict, General Manager of the Centralia facility. He noted the increasing demand for clean and reliable power, driven by advancements in AI and renewable energy.
Intermountain Electronics is also investing in workforce development, collaborating with local institutions like Kaskaskia College and Centralia High School. These partnerships provide students with hands-on experience and career opportunities in industrial technology and related fields. “The partnership we have established with Intermountain Electronics has created outstanding career opportunities for students,” said Joy Fitts of Kaskaskia College.
This expansion is supported by the state’s Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, which offers incentives for clean energy and manufacturing companies. The full REV agreement can be accessed here.
Original Story at www.effinghamradio.com