Peoria, IL – Nearly 30 manufacturing companies across Illinois are receiving state funding this year as part of a major initiative aimed at supporting small and mid-sized businesses in the sector.
The 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program has awarded a total of $1.35 million to 29 manufacturers employing over 1,100 people statewide.
According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the program provides matching grants of up to $50,000 to assist companies with projects that promote innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The initiative is administered by the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), and funding stems from the state’s commitment to boosting long-term economic development.
Chicago-based recipients include Aztec Plastic Company, Bridgewater Studio, Tec Coffee & Foods, Inc., Slidematic LLC, and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery. Other awardees span from Peoria’s GEO. J. Rothan Co. to Mid-State Tank Co., Inc. in Sullivan and Steel Grip Inc. in Danville. Kelco Industries in Woodstock, with 100 employees, was one of the largest beneficiaries.
“The Made in Illinois Grant allows us to finally have the option of upgrading our technology from 3 Axis to 5 Axis machines, COO of Aztec Plastic Company. “Most importantly, it positions us to be a stronger, Illinois based, supply chain leader, as we will be able to purchase machinery to open our bottleneck and increase production capacity.”
The grant program supports strategic projects across industries such as aerospace, food processing, industrial machinery, and sustainable manufacturing.
Launched in 2024, the Made in Illinois program has now awarded over $3 million to 69 manufacturers, backing projects with a combined investment impact of more than $38 million.
For more information and a full list of 2025 recipients, visit www.imec.org/madeinillinois.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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