News Local/State

ADM Confirms Move To Chicago

By Jeff Bossert, with additional reporting from The Associated Press
 

Decatur-based Archer Daniels Midland has confirmed that it's moving its global headquarters to Chicago.

In a press release Wednesday,  Chairman and CEO Patricia Woertz said "while we considered other global hubs, Chicago emerged as the best location to provide efficient access to global markets while maintaining our close connection with US farmers, customers, and operations."  

Woertz said Chicago also provides an environment where the company can attract and retain employees with diverse skills.

She said ADM expects to locate a corporate team of about 50 to 75 employees in the new center. 

Woertz also said the company will seek out alternative sites for its new Information Technology and support center, where it expects to locate about 100 new jobs.  She says the company will continue to seek out potential locations for that facility.   

Woertz also says ADM will continue to have a significant presence in Decatur, which will be designated the company’s North American headquarters, and the company does not plan any layoffs with Wednesday's decision.

The future of the global headquarters in Illinois was in question after House lawmakers failed to pass tax incentives for businesses like ADM and the combined Office Max/Office Depot, which recently announced it's moving to Florida.

Gov. Pat Quinn says Archer Daniels Midland Company's decision shows the agribusiness giant has faith in Illinois.  In a statement, Quinn says he spoke with CEO Patricia Woertz several times. He says the decision is good news for Illinois and the economy.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is welcoming the news.   In a news release, Emanuel's office says ADM's move will help solidify Chicago's ranking as one of the top cities in the world for international headquarters.
 
Emanuel has touted his efforts to lure companies to Chicago and in the news release his office says he was directly involved in the effort to convince ADM to come to the city.
 
Emanuel's office says ADM is expected to move its corporate offices to Chicago next year.