A Japanese manufacturer of high-precision machine tools, Okuma America Corporation, announced plans Tuesday to expand its operations with a new facility in Chicago, Illinois. The move is being hailed as a significant economic win for Governor JB Pritzker, currently seeking a third term in office.
The company, a subsidiary of Okuma Corporation, intends to consolidate multiple facilities into a single, larger location within the Chicago metropolitan area, though a specific site has not yet been disclosed. Okuma America Corporation manufactures and distributes CNC machine tools, controls, and automation systems. The expansion is expected to create new jobs, though the exact number has not been released.
Governor Pritzker’s office has publicly welcomed the investment. According to Illinois.gov, Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton were inaugurated in January 2019, and have focused on attracting businesses to the state. The governor’s office stated the expansion demonstrates Illinois’ attractiveness as a hub for advanced manufacturing.
The timing of the announcement coincides with Governor Pritzker’s re-election campaign. He assumed office in 2019, and is seeking to continue leading the state, according to his official biography on Wikipedia.
Okuma America Corporation has not yet released details regarding the timeline for the facility’s completion or the total investment amount. Company representatives indicated further announcements will be made in the coming months. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is reportedly working with Okuma to facilitate the expansion.
