Illinois has been ranked second in the country in corporate expansion for four consecutive years and third in workforce development. Early 2026 has seen a continuance of this trend with companies expanding to Illinois using the Economic Development for a Growing Economy, or EDGE, program to create around 4,000 new jobs and generate $2.5 billion in investments. Leading competitors in manufacturing, life sciences and the food industry have all chosen Illinois as a destination for development in the first quarter of 2026.

Illinois’ advanced and skilled workforce drew in manufacturers like DMG MORI and Hyundai to make strong investments into new facilities. DMG MORI is investing over $40 million into a manufacturing and research development facility. The facility will take advantage of the skilled labor in Chicago by entering into a workforce development partnership with City Colleges of Chicago. Hyundai will revitalize two dormant manufacturing facilities, creating an estimated 2,500 new jobs and bringing a $450 million investment to Will County.

Illinois has also become a home for companies developing the next cutting-edge therapies and medical centers. CSL, a leader in biotherapeutics is investing $1.5 billion into Illinois, one of the largest life science investments in state history.  Additionally, AbbVie will expand its manufacturing campus in North Chicago through a $380 million investment into supporting production of obesity-reduction medications.

Mars Snacking, a longtime food manufacturer in Illinois, has committed to creating 600 new jobs and investing $100 million, through an expansion of its global headquarters in Chicago during 2026. Additionally, Savencia Cheese will be expanding its production facility in Lena, Illinois, creating an additional 50 jobs for the area.

The Illinois EDGE program incentivizes investment into the state through providing tax credits to qualifying businesses that support job creation and improve living standards for Illinoisans. Read more here.