Illinois Experiences Surge in Industrial Growth with 209 New Construction and Capex Projects in 2024

Illinois is flexing its industrial muscle. In 2024 alone, Industrial SalesLeads tracked 209 verified industrial capital projects across the state. From heavy manufacturing and logistics to power, processing, and data infrastructure, these initiatives reflect billions in capital investment and growth momentum.

Industrial SalesLeads has published the CY2024 report on planned industrial capital project spending in Illinois. The Firm monitors industrial project activity across North America, including facility expansions, new plant construction, and major equipment modernization efforts. Research confirms that 209 new industrial projects were identified in Illinois throughout 2024.

The following are selected highlights on recent Illinois industrial construction news and manufacturing capital projects. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this year’s activity:

🔧 Planned Industrial Construction in Illinois by Project Type:

• Manufacturing Facilities: 53

• Processing Facilities: 45

• Distribution & Industrial Warehouses: 91

• Power/Energy/Oil & Gas: 8

• Laboratory Facilities: 6

• Data Centers: 3

🏗️ Planned Projects by Scope/Activity:

• New Construction: 69

• Expansions: 40

• Renovations/Equipment Upgrades: 80

• Relocations: 58

• Plant Closings: 22

🧰 Equipment Demand Indicators:

• Air Emissions Control: 81

• Compressed Air Systems: 163

• Control Systems & Instrumentation: 79

• Conveyors: 92

• Floor Coatings: 90

• Material Handling/Storage: 118

• Mechanical Construction: 152

• Packaging Equipment: 58

• Process Equipment: 32

• Tanks/Vessels: 28

💰 Largest Industrial Projects in Illinois (2024)

11 projects were valued at $100 million or more.
The biggest of the year: Rivian Automotive is planning a $1.5 billion expansion and equipment upgrade to its facility in Normal, IL—cementing its role as a major player in advanced automotive manufacturing.

🔟 Top 10 Tracked Industrial Projects in Illinois (2024)

1. Rockford, IL — $1B Green Hydrogen Facility
   Green hydrogen company is evaluating a $1 billion processing facility. Site selection underway in Rockford.

2. East St. Louis, IL — $820M Green Hydrogen Plant
   Another clean energy firm plans an $820 million hydrogen plant. Location in final review.

3. East Alton, IL — $500M Copper Manufacturing Expansion
   A copper products manufacturer will invest $500 million to upgrade and expand operations.

4. Belvidere, IL — $334M Auto Manufacturing Overhaul
   Automotive company will spend $334 million on facility renovation and new equipment.

5. Elk Grove Village, IL — $285M Data Center Campus
   Data infrastructure giant to build a 1M sq. ft. data center campus, slated for completion by 2029.

6. Rockford, IL — $146M Pharma Expansion
   A pharmaceutical firm will expand its production and distribution footprint by 545,000 sq. ft.

7. Naperville, IL — $69M Wastewater Processing Plant
   Water utility provider seeks approval for a new 98,000 sq. ft. treatment plant.

8. Niles, IL — $35M Pharma Modernization
   Pharma firm planning $35 million in upgrades to its processing and office facility.

9. Joliet, IL — Distribution Center Modernization
   Logistics provider renovating a newly leased 640,000 sq. ft. distribution hub.

10. Geneva, IL — Food Processing Upgrade
    Food contract manufacturer investing in upgrades at a 275,000 sq. ft. site on E State St.

🧭 What This Means for B2B Sellers

If you sell to OEMs, contractors, distributors, or facility managers in Illinois, this report is a GPS for growth. These projects are already happening—and SalesLeads helps you get ahead of the RFPs, ahead of the bid, and in the room before your competitors.

🔹 About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc.

Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and Outsourced Lead Generation services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. SalesLeads Inc. has delivered verified industrial project intelligence and outsourced lead generation services for North America’s top-performing sales and marketing teams.

Our Industrial Market Intelligence, identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Lead Generation Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com. 

Our reports help B2B sellers identify companies planning construction, expansion, relocation, or modernization, and convert that insight into qualified appointments and consistent pipeline growth.

We provide hundreds of new projects monthly across sectors. Each month, our team provides hundreds of industrial reports within a variety of industries, including:

Want to win more industrial business in Illinois? Visit salesleadsinc.com and start selling smarter.