Business
Danville, IL Gets $4M to Revive Former Quaker Oats Site
Danville, IL – A major industrial redevelopment project in east central Illinois is receiving a $4 million state investment announced Tuesday, potentially opening the door to new manufacturing facilit
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-11-11T03:22:05.681Z
Danville, IL – A major industrial redevelopment project in east central Illinois is receiving a $4 million state investment announced Tuesday, potentially opening the door to new manufacturing facilities, business development and future jobs in Danville and surrounding Vermilion County.
According to Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the funding will help transform the former Quaker Oats industrial property and nearby Heatcraft site into a 100 acre location ready for future industrial development.
The investment comes through Illinois' Regional Site Readiness Program, which helps communities prepare vacant and underused properties for businesses looking to expand or establish operations.
A central focus of the project involves eliminating flood risks that have previously prevented redevelopment at the former Quaker Oats property.
"Danville has a proud manufacturing history, and we're investing in its next chapter," Pritzker said.
Danville Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said the funding will allow the city to complete flood remediation and establish a shovel ready industrial site with utilities, a rail spur and a solar installation.
"This is perhaps our greatest opportunity to bring back manufacturing to our community," Williams said.
The property is being prepared for businesses in heavy industry, manufacturing and logistics, sectors that could provide employment opportunities throughout Vermilion County and the broader east central Illinois region.
However, state officials have not announced a specific company moving into the property or provided a timeline for potential job creation.
The $4 million award is part of a larger statewide effort that has distributed $119 million across 64 site readiness projects.
Illinois' fiscal 2026 economic development strategy also includes a $500 million initiative aimed at preparing industrial properties for future investment.
Officials say the Danville improvements will help the community compete for large scale projects and attract employers seeking development ready locations.