2026 CiCi Awards: Community Impact

Not all community-changing investments  need to be measured in the billions. Trade & Industry Development’s Community Impact CiCi Awards were created to recognize this. These projects may not be giant data centers or enormous petrochemical investments, but they are crafted and sited in a way that makes a significant impact on a community. They might create much-needed jobs in economically distressed areas or retain jobs when another company closes down. They may be projects that rebuild infrastructure and jobs after a storm. 

For the 20th annual CiCi Awards for Community Impact, Trade & Industry Development is recognizing 16 projects announced in 2025 that demonstrate how site selection can make a large difference in a community, providing jobs and opportunities.

The collective capital investment of our 16 winning projects totals more than $4 billion, and these initiatives will create and/or retain 5,777 direct jobs. While these numbers may seem small compared to the projects on the Corporate Investment side, they are helping to stabilize communities in need of employment, infrastructure improvement, education opportunities and economic independence. 

The following are some of the inspirational stories behind our 2026 CiCi Community Impact winners. 

BWXT Enrichment Operations, LLC; Oklo Inc.; Radiant Industries Inc.
Oak Ridge, Roane County, Tennessee

In recent years, the State of Tennessee has positioned itself as a leader in nuclear innovation. This resurgence has been supported by strategic investments through Tennessee’s Nuclear Energy Fund, a specialized incentive created in the 2023–2024 state budget to support the recruitment and expansion of nuclear-related businesses. Since its inception, the fund has grown from $50 million to $70 million, demonstrating the state’s sustained commitment to advancing the nuclear industry.

Through investments supported by the Nuclear Energy Fund, the Oak Ridge community attracted multiple advanced nuclear companies whose combined projects represent a significant expansion of capital investment, job creation and long-term industrial capacity.

In April of 2025, BWXT Enrichment Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of BWX Technologies, Inc., became the third company to receive funding from the Nuclear Energy Fund to establish a centrifuge assembly manufacturing facility near Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The project includes the creation of at least 60 new jobs, a minimum $45 million capital investment and the purchase of 96.53 acres for a new facility that will support fuel production for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s defense mission. In September of 2025, Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology company, announced a nearly $1.7 billion expansion in Oak Ridge. The project will create more than 800 new jobs and establish an advanced nuclear fuel recycling facility on a 247-acre site at the Oak Ridge Heritage Center. The facility will recycle used nuclear fuel from today’s operating reactor fleet, creating the nation’s first privately funded nuclear recycling capability and providing a durable, domestic fuel supply for advanced reactors. In October 2025, Radiant selected Oak Ridge for a $280 million investment to expand nuclear manufacturing and R&D operations. The project will create 175 new jobs in Roane County and support the mass production of Radiant’s Kaleidos, the world’s first one-megawatt portable nuclear generator designed to provide resilient power in remote locations, military installations and disaster-response scenarios.

Collectively, nuclear industry investments announced in Oak Ridge during 2025 represent more than $2 billion in total capital investment and the creation of 1,100 new jobs. This unprecedented concentration of advanced nuclear manufacturing, fuel recycling and energy technology projects reflects the scale, diversity and strategic importance of investments supported by the Nuclear Energy Fund. The investment announcements have had a transformative impact on the region’s economy, workforce and long-term identity. The scale of investment and job creation announced in a single year represents one of the most significant periods of economic growth in Oak Ridge in decades.

“Creating job opportunities and bringing investment to the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service,” said Don Moul, president and chief executive officer of Tennessee Valley Authority. “We are proud to partner with the City of Oak Ridge Electric Department, Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board, Oak Ridge Corridor Development Agency, City of Oak Ridge, Roane County, Anderson County, East Tennessee Development Agency and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to further that mission.”

First Quality Tissue
Defiance, Defiance County, Ohio

In February of 2025, First Quality Tissue Midwest LLC, a family-owned company that makes adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, adult washcloths and consumer paper products for institutional and retail markets worldwide, announced plans to construct a 1.6 million-square-foot building in Defiance, Ohio. For Defiance, the development will mark the largest singular investment and job-creation project ever for the community. The capital investment of $984 million is expected to create 407 jobs. 

The company will locate its new facility on the 1,000-acre Defiance Mega Site. The new facility will be located at a site that was the first primed for future economic development with support from the All Ohio Future Fund.

The expansion includes a commitment to install two new state-of-the-art Thru-Air-Dried (TAD) paper machines with associated converting facilities at the site. The investment will add capacity to First Quality’s existing operations by creating a new manufacturing facility in the Midwest. Current operations include locations in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania and Anderson, South Carolina.

The project was attracted, in part, by incentives totaling $10.8 million in the form of tax credits, a JobsOhio Grant and a workforce grant. First Quality Tissue noted that it decided to locate its new production facility in Defiance County because of Ohio’s strength in manufacturing and the region’s skilled, hardworking workforce.

“The All Ohio Future Fund was created to attract and support established companies that are prepared to hit the ground running and make a significant investment in jobs and capital in our state,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohio’s work to proactively prepare this Defiance County site is a win-win for Ohio, Defiance County and First Quality Tissue.”

Eaton
Jonesville, Union County, South Carolina

In 2025, global power management giant Eaton announced that it was retrofitting an 861,000-square-foot facility in Jonesville, South Carolina to manufacture three-phase transformers, leading to an expansion that is marking a historic chapter for the local economy. With a massive $340 million investment in the town, Eaton will build its 11th location in South Carolina, addressing a critical nationwide shortage of the electrical infrastructure needed to power data centers, utilities and the U.S. power grid. 

The most immediate and powerful impact on this small community is the creation of 700 new jobs. For a rural area like Union County, an influx of several hundred high-skilled manufacturing positions provides more than just a paycheck; it offers a pathway to long-term career stability and professional development. By partnering with readySC and local technical schools, Eaton is ensuring that the local workforce is specifically trained for the next generation of energy technology. This collaboration effectively future proofs the community’s skill set, turning Union County into a specialized hub for grid modernization.

Beyond the factory, the $340 million investment acts as a catalyst for a multiplier effect across the region. When 700 families see a boost in household income, the benefits ripple through local small businesses — from grocery stores and restaurants to housing and service providers. Furthermore, the $10 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant awarded to the county as part of the project will help improve local building standards and infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the production of transformers.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $10 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Union County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

“Electrical power demand is increasing dramatically, and our solutions are at the heart of energy systems everywhere, from the utility grid to industrials, data centers, buildings and more,” said Eaton Electrical Sector Americas Region President Mike Yelton. “Eaton is grateful for the strong collaboration and support in South Carolina.”

Tesla, Inc.
Brookshire, Waller County, Texas 

In Brookshire, a community in Waller County, major electric vehicle (EV) player Tesla announced in 2025 that it is expanding its manufacturing capabilities to produce utility-scale batteries, known as Megapack. The move reflects Tesla’s plan to move beyond EVs and into energy infrastructure. The new facility represents a minimum investment of $155 million in manufacturing equipment installation and is expected to span more than one million square feet. Once fully operational, the project will employ approximately 1,500 workers across a wide range of roles, including advanced manufacturing, engineering, logistics and technical support positions, with many of them being high-skill, high-wage jobs. In addition, the overall investment will include a new $75.5 million building, for a total investment of $230.5 million.

With energy needs on the rise in the U.S. due to rapid population growth and major projects such as AI data centers, domestic battery manufacturing has become increasingly critical. Tesla’s recent commitment to manufacturing Megapack in Brookshire shows that Texas is a top destination for the future of energy infrastructure.

An increase in 1,500 jobs for the area is a staggering number when compared to Brookshire’s population of just over 5,000 people. The project Tesla is bringing to Brookshire is expected to bring in 200 high-paying jobs with an annual wage of $100,000. The project represents new jobs for the region and an injection of capital investment into the local economy, but also a diversification of industry.

The project received tax abatement agreements and support from both Waller County Economic Development Partnership and the City of Brookshire for a Texas Enterprise Zone Designation nomination. The abatements total 60 percent for 10 years on the real property improvements.

“We have been focused on planned economic development for some time,” said Waller County Judge Trey Duhon. “It’s been a methodical approach aimed at increasing commercial development as a way to increase jobs and reduce the tax burden on local citizens. It’s rewarding to see the impact on the community.”

TS Conductor 
Hardeeville, Jasper County, South Carolina 

One of the biggest challenges in modern energy production is strain on the grid, which is only getting worse with increased demands for data storage. TS Conductor’s technology enables utilities to double or triple transmission capacity while cutting costs for customers. The technology is critical for expanding and modernizing the power grid to meet growing demand from data centers and domestic manufacturing. 

In March of 2025, TS Conductor announced that it had chosen Jasper County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation and second U.S. manufacturing facility. The company’s $134 million investment is expected to create 462 new jobs.

The company’s new 301,275-square-foot facility, located in Clarius Park Hardeeville, will manufacture advanced carbon-core conductors for use in transmission lines, including critical high-voltage direct current capacity. This represents the first of a three-phase expansion plan. As part of the investment, TS Conductor is also planning to add an additional one million square feet within Clarius Park Hardeeville in future phases.

The company’s $134 million investment, the largest job announcement in Jasper County’s history, is set to transform the local economic landscape. By choosing Hardeeville, TS Conductor isn’t just opening a factory, it is anchoring a high-tech industrial hub that leverages the strategic proximity to the Port of Savannah.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $5.11 million Closing Fund grant to Jasper County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.

“South Carolina’s business-friendly environment, skilled workforce and strong support made it the perfect choice for our expansion,” said TS Conductor Co-Founder and CEO Jason Huang, PhD. “We plan to create hundreds of high-paying manufacturing jobs and invest more than $100 million in the state over the next few years. We look forward to being a long-term partner in South Carolina’s economic growth and creating opportunities for local families and communities.”

IKO/US Granules 
Bismark, St. Francois County, Missouri 

In many communities, the location of a new facility represents more than jobs. It represents increased investment in utilities and education, which in turn attract even more businesses looking to prosper. In June of 2025, IKO, a manufacturer and supplier of residential shingles, commercial roofing and waterproofing products, announced plans to open a new granule manufacturing facility through its subsidiary, Bismarck Granules, in Bismarck, Missouri. The $120 million investment is expected to create more than 50 new jobs. The facility will directly supply granules to IKO’s shingle plants throughout the southern U.S. Bismarck Granules is partnering with New Frontier Materials to secure the feed stock necessary for the process. Engineering firm PENTA is also collaborating with the company on this project.

The new 220,000 square-foot facility will include storage domes and a dedicated rail area. IKO chose Bismarck for its highly skilled workforce, strategic central location and excellent interstate connectivity — boosting both its U.S. operations and the local economy. It will begin operations in late 2026.

The project, which has been in development for more than eight years, also includes plans for a new nearby quarry to support the facility’s operations. In conjunction with the project, the City of Bismarck intends to upgrade and expand its natural gas infrastructure to help power the facility. These improvements will also enable the city to increase natural gas storage capacity, helping to mitigate price fluctuations.

The investment represents a significant economic opportunity for Bismarck, a community of approximately 1,200 residents. To attract the project, the state provided Missouri Works, Witholdings and Tax Credits totaling $336,705. 

Average wages for the project are estimated at $64,528, which is approximately 50 percent higher than the county average of $43,086. The project is also expected to generate significant economic impact, including 295 indirect jobs associated with $91 million in economic activity and 331 induced jobs contributing $64 million. In total, the project is projected to support 731 jobs and generate $397 million in economic output.

“We’re proud to see this facility come to life as part of IKO’s broader strategy to strengthen vertical integration across our operations,” said David Koschitzky, CEO of IKO North America. “Bismarck offers the right combination of location and resources to support our long-term goals. This site will play a key role in enhancing supply chain efficiency and helping us meet the growing needs of our U.S. manufacturing network.”

Butting USA 
Loxley, Baldwin County, Alabama

Butting is a Germany-based manufacturer of stainless steel pipe systems, welded pipes, cryogenic piping and custom components serving the energy, chemical, water and industrial sectors. In July 2025, the company announced it had chosen Baldwin County for its first U.S. production facility and North American headquarters, representing a $61 million capital investment on a 50-acre site in Loxley’s industrial corridor. The project will be delivered in two phases, creating up to 100 permanent, high-wage jobs across engineering, skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. Groundbreaking began in November 2025.

The project represents significant foreign direct investment following a two-year nationwide site selection process. Baldwin County outperformed competing locations due to its skilled labor availability, multimodal transportation access, pro-business environment and quality of life. A decisive factor in the site selection was proximity to Baldwin Preparatory Academy, Alabama’s first standalone career-technical high school. Baldwin Prep provided clear evidence of a scalable workforce pipeline aligned with advanced manufacturing needs, supporting long-term operational growth.

Butting USA will receive multiple local and state incentives, with a total value of $16,066,743. Local incentives include a Property Tax Abatement and Sales and Use Tax Abatement. State incentives totals include the Alabama Jobs Credit valued at $1,717,511, an Investment Credit valued at $9,255,000 and AIDT valued at $1,023,000 (of which $158,000 is direct cash). The state’s return on incentives include $26.3 million in total new state revenue over 20 years, and $118.4 million in new payroll over 20 years (direct permanent jobs plus construction jobs). 

“The project is the culmination of the hard work that we as partners have put in to develop our community, product, workforce and infrastructure,” said Lee Lawson, President and CEO of Baldwin Alliance. “Butting’s decision to locate their North American headquarters in Baldwin County is evidence that we are a premier location in the U.S. for international companies.”

Foam Products Corporation, PlastiExports, PolyPipe, Impact Plastics
Erwin, Unicoi County, Tennessee

Hurricane Helene was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Tennessee’s history, and Unicoi County experienced some of its most severe impacts. Flooding along the Nolichucky River caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and industrial facilities, displacing workers and disrupting the economic foundation of the community. 

In August 2025, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced a first-of-its-kind disaster recovery initiative, awarding more than $7 million in workforce retention and retraining grants to four companies in Unicoi County directly impacted by the storm. Each company received at least $1 million to support retaining or retraining employees who were laid off following the destruction of their facilities. This marked the first time TNECD deployed workforce retention or retraining funding in response to a natural disaster, representing a significant evolution in how the state supports communities following catastrophic events.

The four recipient companies, Foam Products, PlastiExports, PolyPipe and Import Plastics, Incorporated, are located along the Nolichucky River in the Erwin Riverview Industrial Park, one of the areas most severely affected by the storm. At the time of the announcement, the companies had either not yet resumed operations or were in the early stages of reopening, making workforce stability essential to their ability to rebuild.

Foam Products Corporation was able to retain 47 positions and committed $4.4 million in capital investment as it works to recover from storm-related damages estimated at up to $20 million. PlastiExports, a plastics manufacturer headquartered in Mexico, retained 53 positions and committed $7.4 million in capital investment after sustaining more than $14 million in damages. PolyPipe, a manufacturer of polyethylene pipe, retained 66 positions and committed $27.1 million in capital investment after its Erwin facility was destroyed. Impact Plastics, Inc. received a $3,075,000 FastTrack Job Training Assistance Grant to support workforce recovery efforts, enabling the company to retain 67 existing positions, create 57 new jobs and invest $11.8 million as it restores and expands operations. Total capital investment by the projects stands at more than $50 million.

The workforce retention and retraining grants played a critical role in stabilizing the local economy by helping affected employers maintain connections with their workforce during prolonged rebuilding efforts. Rather than facing permanent job loss or relocation, workers were able to remain in the community while companies prepared to resume operations. This continuity reduced long-term unemployment risk and helped preserve household stability during a period of uncertainty.

Collectively, the initiative supported the retention of more than 230 jobs, facilitated the creation of additional new positions and leveraged significant private-sector reinvestment. By prioritizing people alongside physical rebuilding, this unprecedented initiative represents a model for disaster recovery that extends beyond immediate relief.

“Rebuilding our industrial park after Hurricane Helene was never guaranteed, and a critical part of this recovery was getting our businesses back to work quickly,” said Lee Brown, Chair, and Austin Finch, Executive Director, Unicoi County Economic and Community Development. “Our team made it a priority to restore utilities and essential services, providing businesses with the foundation they needed to restart operations and begin moving forward.”

Silver Hills Bakery
Rossville, Fayette County, Tennessee

In May of 2024, 40 employees in the Rossville region lost their jobs upon the closing of a facility owned by snack company Kellanova (formerly Kellogg). The closing represented a significant loss to the community. However, within just 60 days of the closure, a coordinated team of local, regional and state partners had already positioned the 496,667-square-foot asset for its next chapter. Silver Hills Bakery, a Canadian manufacturer of sprouted grain bakery products, chose Rossville for its first major U.S. manufacturing footprint, representing a significant foreign direct investment successfully targeting rural American renewal. 

The $48.5 million investment involves the complete retrofitting of the massive former Kellanova plant to accommodate state-of-the-art bakery operations. The rapid response prevented the typical deterioration of both physical infrastructure and workforce connections that often plague shuttered industrial facilities, demonstrating the power of swift, coordinated economic development in food manufacturing facility conversion.

The facility’s strategic location in the Memphis MSA provides Silver Hills access to America’s most comprehensive logistics infrastructure, enabling the company to reach 68 percent of the U.S. population within 24 hours. At $54,350, the average annual wage represents a 27 percent premium over Fayette County’s manufacturing wage average, providing genuine economic mobility for rural workers. For Rossville, a town of just 664 residents, the 394 direct jobs represent nearly 60 percent of the current population. The total economic output of $87.1 million annually will ripple through the entire Memphis MSA, demonstrating how strategic rural investments can drive metropolitan prosperity. The modernization plan includes state-of-the-art energy efficiency systems and sustainable manufacturing processes, setting new standards for food production facilities.

“Silver Hills Bakery’s decision to revive the former Kellogg facility represents exactly the kind of economic development win we’re pursuing across the Digital Delta,” said Ted Townsend, President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “With nearly 400 new jobs at competitive wages, this project will create meaningful opportunities for our workforce while strengthening our region’s manufacturing base.”

City of Pinellas Park and Sports Facilities Companies
Pinellas Park, Pinellas County, Florida

Sprowls Horizon Sports Park began as a simple infrastructure project, quickly transforming into a vision to create a hub for community, athletic excellence and economic growth. The 37-acre, state-of-the-art regional sports park is one of collaboration, ambition and dedication.

In 2022, the City of Pinellas Park identified an untapped opportunity: the need for a premier sports destination that could serve not just residents but also the wider region. With sports and outdoor activities being a vital thread of community life, city officials envisioned a facility that would elevate Pinellas Park as a regional hub for youth sports, tournaments and recreation. 

Pinellas Park initially approached state legislators for a $1 million matching grant to jumpstart the project. Their initial request was practical but conservative, sufficient to begin planning a much smaller scale park. However, after examining the concept and its transformative potential, legislators saw an opportunity to invest in not just a sports park, but a regional destination that will bring long-term benefits to Pinellas Park and the county. What started as a small grant request grew into a $13.5 million matching grant. To bring the dream to life, the city turned to nationally renowned Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), an expert in designing, developing and managing sports complexes across the country. 

Overall, the project represents $26.5 million in investment: a $13,500,000 state grant, a Community Redevelopment Area County Contribution of $5.3 million, a Community Redevelopment Area City Contribution of $2.8 million and American Rescue Plan funds of $4.8 million. Additionally, Duke Energy contributed to the project through a partnership that allowed for development within its lands. It is expected to create between 20 and 30 direct jobs.

The park will have turf practice fields, a turf football field with an Olympic-caliber rubberized track, a playground inside the complex and multiple fields for sports such as lacrosse, soccer, cheerleading, football and track & field. Environmental sustainability was woven into the project, with energy-efficient lighting and native landscaping incorporated throughout.

“The development of the Sprowls Horizon Sports Park represents a game changing investment in our community, driving economic growth, creating jobs and attracting visitors from across the region,” said Lizzy St. Pierre, Community Services Manager for the City of Pinellas Park. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only provide a premier destination for athletes and families, but also fuel local businesses, boost tourism and enhance our overall quality of recreational activities.”

A.D.R. Axles USA, Inc., an affiliate of A.D.R. S.p.A
Perry, Dallas County, Iowa

Perry, Iowa, a small community a half hour outside the Des Moines metro area, was forced to deal with tragedy and challenges in 2024. In January of that year, Perry High School experienced a deadly mass shooting, leaving the community in shock and anguish. Later, in June 2024, Tyson Foods, the city’s major employer, closed its facility, resulting in the loss of 1,276 jobs.

The region had some good news in 2025: A.D.R Axles USA, Inc., a Milan, Italy-based Affiliate of A.D.R. S.p.A, announced it would be establishing its North American headquarters and production facility in Perry with a new 54,000-square-foot fabrication and assembly facility with capabilities for new product research and development. ADR expects to employ at least 35 people in Perry when the facility opens, with the potential for expansion and additional jobs at a later date. Production is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

By the end of 2026, the $14.3 million facility will be ADR’s production and distribution center dedicated to the U.S. market. The initial hire of 35 new employees in the first phase is expected to increase over the next three years.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority board approved an economic development package that included a $500,000 forgivable loan and $300,000 in sales and use tax refunds for ADR Axles USA, Inc. The package is also expected to include $800,000 in tax increment financing from the City of Perry.

“With news from last year and Tyson closing, this is a great development in terms of being able to attract business to town and being able to attract workers,” said the Executive Director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, Lynsi Pasutti.

Bad Boy Mowers 
Monroeville, Monroe County, Alabama 

Bad Boy Mowers was founded in 2002 in a garage after its two founders became frustrated with the quality and price of existing zero-turn mowers. In 2025, the company announced a $10.5 million investment for a new tractor assembly plant in Monroeville, Alabama. The Batesville, Arkansas-based company plans to create 50 jobs at its new home on Drewry Road at the former Vanity Fair distribution center. Work has already begun to transform the site, which was attracted by a team effort that included the governor’s office, state industrial recruiting executives, workforce training assistance by Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), the mayor, city council members, industrial development board members, fire department, water board, building inspector and Alabama Power. The project was offered tax abatements.

Bad Boy plans to build several different models of tractors in Monroeville and anticipates producing approximately 9,000 units per year. The new facility will also house an important cross-dock facility which will bring in parts from overseas to Monroeville that will be shipped to Batesville.

Monroe County is primarily focused on the forestry industry. Bad Boy’s new production industry will create jobs – most of which pay above average for the region — that were lost through the departure of a Fruit of the Loom facility.  It’s anticipated that the new plant will create even more indirect jobs for the local population.  

“Monroeville is truly excited about Bad Boy’s decision to locate here and begin production in the very near future,” said Mike Colquett, executive director of the Monroeville/Monroe County Economic Development Authority. “Bad Boy is a perfect fit for Monroeville, and we believe our town is a perfect fit for them as well.”

StandardAero
Sharonville, Hamilton County, Ohio

As the birthplace of icons like the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, Ohio has been and remains a visionary force within the aerospace industry. From its vast aviation-specific R&D investments to its favorable market access, the state is ideal for aerospace as it is bolstered by more than 70 higher education institutions with aerospace occupation programs.

StandardAero, an independent provider of aerospace engine aftermarket services including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), announced in June of 2025 that it is expanding its operations in Sharonville, Ohio. Due to increased market demand and the acquisition of new contracts, with several of these being long-term, StandardAero was seeking a site that would allow it to increase infrastructure, equipment and talent pipeline resources to deliver on those commitments. To facilitate the $8 million expansion, StandardAero acquired vacant space adjacent to its current facilities, allowing the company to keep all operations at one site.

The expansion, which was overseen by JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development and REDI Cincinnati, is expected to add 300 new jobs, increasing the total workforce to more than 1,000 employees. The facility is a major aerospace component repair location that specializes in engine component MRO services for both commercial and military aircraft. The new jobs will primarily consist of machinists, parts inspectors and bench operators.

“This partnership not only supports the expansion of our operations but also strengthens our ability to invest in our people — our most valuable asset,” said Tim Mathis, VP and General Manager of the CRS Cincinnati Facility. “We have a great team whose talent and dedication drive our success every day. I’m excited about this partnership, as it not only supports our future expansion but also creates new opportunities for our people to grow and thrive.”

Rockford Brake Manufacturing, Inc.
Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois

One hundred seventy years of expertise, heritage and economic growth stood to be lost when Rockford’s Accuride declared bankruptcy in early 2025, shuttering the area’s Gunite (high-strength iron) plant. However, the initiative of four former employees of Gunite Corporation, which was owned by Accuride, supported with a state incentive package and backing from Team Illinois, gave new life to the shuttered 619,000-square-foot factory. As a result of the $6.6 million investment, 150 employees will have work producing brake components and casting parts for the heavy trucking industry, preserving a foundry legacy that began in 1854 and maintaining quality jobs in an area categorized by the state as underserved.

The investment enabled the newly created company, Rockford Brake Manufacturing, to purchase the factory and 41 acres of land, including a grey iron foundry and machine shop specializing in manufacturing brake drums for the commercial vehicle industry.

A financial package was offered in the form of an EDGE (Economic Development for a Growing Economy) tax credit, a company credit for imposed state income taxes, at an elevated level due to the project location in an underserved area. 

In every community, every job matters. But in an underserved area, each opportunity means outsized impact. The project has practical benefits — the direct, indirect and induced jobs, as well as the products Rockford Brake Manufacturing produces — but it is also an inspiring symbol of derring-do and Illinois’ interest in uplifting its companies and communities.

“With critical support from the State of Illinois’ EDGE for Startups program, Rockford Brake Manufacturing is preserving a storied legacy of manufacturing in Rockford,” said Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Illinois’ reputation as a top manufacturing hub is bolstered by investments that are opening the doors to economic opportunity and creating new, good-paying jobs.”

Perseus Defense 
Buda, Hays County, Texas 

Few industries have a stronger need for regional ecosystems than defense contractors, who are often drawn to areas because of existing clusters of complementary technologies. In December 2025, Perseus Defense (Project Silver Snow), a defense-tech startup specializing in guided micro-missiles for drone defense, announced that it had chosen Buda, Texas as its new headquarters. In a statement, Perseus Defense noted that it had chosen Buda because of its strong workforce, proximity to major defense partners and flourishing community of defense startups.

Perseus is mass-producing low-cost missile systems to intercept and neutralize hostile drones at a fraction of the cost of America’s best existing solutions. The new Buda headquarters will house research and development capabilities, along with manufacturing operations, a venture expected to create more than 130 jobs in the first three years alone. The new facility at Tower Business Park in Buda will serve as a hub for development, testing and production of its 30-inch guided micro-missiles, described as America’s Golden Dome for Drones.

The project is expected to create 20 jobs in the first year and an estimated 400 jobs by year five. The average annual salary for these positions is expected to be $120,000, which is more than 126 percent above Hays County’s median wage. 

To support the headquarters project, the Buda EDC and Buda City Council approved a performance-based incentive agreement up to $500,000. The package includes up-front support for permit fees and incentives to assist with headquarters build-out up to $200,000. It also provides a job incentive offering up to $1,800 per new job paying more than $120,000 annually. The agreement requires Perseus Defense to create its required jobs within three years and maintain its Buda headquarters for a minimum of five years.

“Perseus Defense’s investment in Buda has delivered an outsized community impact, positioning the city as an emerging hub for the aerospace and defense industry in Central Texas,” said Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation. “Beyond capital investment and high-quality job creation, Perseus has elevated Buda’s visibility on a national stage, attracting new industry attention, talent and complementary businesses to the region.”

WarBird Protection Group, Inc.
Kalkaska, Kalkaska County, Michigan

WarBird Protection Group, founded in 2023 by Matt Davis, is a manufacturer of high-performance protective equipment for military and law enforcement. The company represents the rebirth of a critical industry in Michigan: defense. After Davis’s previous company, Armor Express, merged and relocated to North Carolina in 2022, the region lost a vital industrial anchor. WarBird was established to retain both jobs and expertise in Kalkaska.

The project, known as Project Rampart, involves a total investment of $3 million to establish a full-scale production facility. WarBird plans to renovate an abandoned factory in the downtown district, transforming it into a high-tech manufacturing hub. The site includes a ballistic research lab and advanced R&D equipment, allowing the company to engineer and validate products in-house. The project is expected to create 130 new jobs, including professional, skilled and unskilled roles with wages starting at $21.75 per hour, above the regional median of $20.62.

Kalkaska has faced a decades-long struggle to attract new industry, making WarBird’s arrival a boost for the regional economy. Since WarBird’s arrival, the village has seen an immediate increase in interest from other potential businesses. By renovating an abandoned factory downtown, the project has physically improved the aesthetics of the village, replacing a symbol of decay with a global headquarters for life-saving technology. 

 In a region that was reeling from post-pandemic instability, WarBird provides a stable employer-of-choice presence. The company’s commitment to a 70 percent employer-paid medical plan, 100 percent paid disability and unique “birthday bonus days” sets a new benchmark for quality of life in rural Michigan.

Through partnerships with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center and Apex Accelerator, WarBird is training its staff in LEAN manufacturing and government contracting, ensuring that Kalkaska residents are equipped with high-value skills for the future. Beyond business, the WarBird team has integrated into the community by supporting local non-profits and volunteering expertise to help the underserved populations of Antrim and Kalkaska counties.

The project was attracted with a mix of incentives, including a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and local talent recruitment and training proposal contributions. 

“This MEDC grant is a powerful endorsement of WarBird’s potential to drive economic growth and fulfill our life-saving mission. This grant will enable us to produce superior body armor and tactical gear, ensuring the safety of those who protect our communities and nation,” said Davis. “Every job created will contribute to the production of equipment that makes a real difference.” T&ID