German food manufacturer to open second Illinois facility in Huntley
Silesia, a flavor company headquartered in Germany, will open its second U.S. manufacturing facility in Huntley.
As part of the company’s Illinois expansion, it will invest $40 million to build a new flavor innovation and production facility and create 41 new full-time jobs, according to a news release from Gov. JB Pritzker’s office.
Plans call for constructing a nearly 120,000-square-foot building on about 20 acres in an industrial park off Route 47 near the Interstate 90 interchange. Open space to the south could accommodate another 60,000 square feet of future expansions.
“I am thrilled that Silesia is doubling down on their commitment to Illinois and expanding on an already rich legacy in our state,” Pritzker said in the release. “With the opening of the new flavor innovation and production facility in Huntley, Silesia is bringing good jobs and opportunity to our people while further solidifying our status as a national leader in food and beverage manufacturing and processing.”
Silesia develops, produces and distributes flavors to the food and beverage industry globally. Its new Huntley facility builds upon the company’s existing suburban footprint — its first U.S. sales office was established in Elk Grove Village in 1996, followed by a production facility in Hoffman Estates in 2001.
The Hoffman Estates facility has focused on producing liquid sweet flavors for the confectionery, bakery, beverage, and dairy industries.
The Huntley plant will produce powdered savory and sweet flavors, as well as liquid savory flavors, for distribution across North and South America. It will be equipped with cutting-edge culinary research labs. Savory flavors from Huntley will be used in a wide range of products, including sauces, dressings, and snacks. Sweet, powdered flavors will serve applications ranging from sports nutrition to confectionery.
Huntley is offering economic incentives to Silesia, including a 100% rebate of the village share of the site’s property taxes for the first five years and a $25,000 moving grant. The village also has approved a job creation grant that applies to positions created within the first 24 months of opening and has a $50,000 cap, according to village officials.
“The village of Huntley is proud that Silesia has chosen our community as their next home for expansion, a decision that truly highlights the outstanding synergy between a growing business and a thriving community,” said Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft.
Silesia’s decision to expand its operations builds upon Illinois’ reputation as a global leader in the food processing industry with top-ranked infrastructure, access to supply chains, and a world-class workforce, according to the release.
Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, the state is focusing on key, high-growth industries including food processing. Illinois is home to Ferrero’s first chocolate factory in North America, innovation and R&D labs designed to help companies grow and innovate, as well as headquarters such as Kraft Heinz, Wrigley, and Mondelez.
Silesia is building the Huntley manufacturing facility with incentives from the state’s EDGE tax credit. A link to the full Silesia agreement can be found on the DCEO website. In 2024, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $650 million in investments in communities across Illinois.
Intersect Illinois supported Silesia in its site search.
“The opening of this facility is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision,” said Thomas Ginschel, president of the Americas, Silesia Group. “We’re excited to bring this new facility to the village of Huntley and are grateful for the support of our partners and local leaders.”
Several prominent global companies, including Epic Medical, Damera, and Diraq recently have committed to expanding their business in Illinois because of the state’s skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and commitment to economic development, according to the release.
“Illinois is proud to support the expansion of Silesia, a global leader in flavor manufacturing, which further reinforces our state’s reputation as a prime destination for international investment and innovation,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards. “ “We remain committed to fostering a business climate that attracts world-class companies and creates quality jobs for hardworking Illinoisans.”