Governor’s Clean Water Initiative Helped Draw World’s Largest Water Pump Manufacturer to Illinois
DOWNERS GROVE – As part of his agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward, Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Grundfos officials to break ground on the global water pump manufacturer’s new North American headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois. Denmark-based Grundfos, the world’s largest water pump producer, will create 40 new jobs at the headquarters. The Illinois Clean Water Initiative – which was launched by Governor Quinn in 2012 to overhaul the state’s water infrastructure – was cited by the company as a key reason why they chose Illinois. “I am pleased that Grundfos has chosen Illinois as the location for their North American headquarters,” Governor Quinn said. “Illinois continues to be one of the best places to do business in the world. My Clean Water Initiative has made Illinois a hub for water technology and even more attractive for international businesses like Grundfos. Today’s announcement will grow our economy and create jobs.” Governor Quinn and Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully joined Grundfos executives Jes Munk Hansen, Grundfos North America president and Søren Sorensen, Grundfos Group Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Grundfos North American Board, to kick-off construction by using sledgehammers to knock down a wall in the existing structure. Grundfos already employs about 100 people at its Aurora location, and the new headquarters will add an additional 40 jobs over the next several years. Grundfos representatives recently participated in the governor’s trade mission to Mexico, along with other Illinois water technology firms. The Mexican market for water technologies is estimated to grow three percent during 2013, and Grundfos may benefit from heightened Mexican demand and the country’s strong economic ties with Illinois. In addition, Grundfos is pursuing LEED certification at its new 10,871 square-foot facility, which will utilize Energy Star-rated equipment and the latest technology in lighting and controls, as well as sustainable building materials for the office’s furniture, flooring and fixtures. “The Chicago area is emerging as an important hub for the water industry, and is one of the reasons why we’re establishing our North American headquarters here,” Hansen said. “The State of Illinois has shown commitment to water infrastructure, most recently through a $1 billion initiative to upgrade water infrastructure across the state, and we anticipate playing a major role in the further development of critical water initiatives in the state and around the country.” Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments facing a critical need to overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution and collection systems. The initiative is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used. According to the U.S. EPA, it is estimated that total water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years will total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects and $15 billion in drinking water projects. To learn more about Governor Quinn’s Illinois Clean Water Initiative, please visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov. With an annual production of more than 16 million pumps, Denmark-based Grundfos is a global leader in advanced pump solutions and a trendsetter in water technology. The company specializes in circulator pumps for heating and air conditioning as well as centrifugal pumps for industrial applications, water supply, sewage and dosing. Grundfos also manufactures standard and submersible motors and state-of-the-art electronics for monitoring and controlling pumps. This year, the company celebrates its 40th anniversary in the United States, where it employs nearly 1,300 people. Grundfos North America maintains operations in Illinois, Kansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Indiana, Canada and Mexico.