Manner Polymers opens solar-powered manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon
By Lana Stone
Illinois – Governor JB Pritzker, Manner Polymers, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders in Mount Vernon to cut the ribbon on the company’s new 108,000-square-foot, 100% solar-powered manufacturing facility.
The plant will produce electric vehicle PVC compounds, components for solar panels, and materials for other industries. The expansion increases the company’s production capacity to 100 million pounds and is expected to create more than 60 high-quality jobs in Southern Illinois.
“Powered by clean energy and serving a variety of industries, Manner Polymers will serve as a catalyst for an exciting new era for economic development in Southern Illinois—one built on high-growth industries of the 21st century,” Governor Pritzker said. “The company’s investment in Illinois speaks to our highly qualified and skilled workers, strong manufacturing ecosystem, and competitive incentives.”
DCEO Director Kristin Richards added that the facility bolsters the state’s workforce and strengthens Illinois’ emerging clean energy economy.
The plant represents a first-of-its-kind solar-powered PVC compounding facility, using clean energy generated on-site. Manner Polymers, one of North America’s largest flexible PVC compounders, will manufacture PVC compounds for automotive electric vehicles, solar panels, and a variety of other markets, including appliances, construction, telecommunications, medical, and agriculture. Flexible PVC compounds are used in components such as wiring, battery cables, electrical connectors, and wire harnesses.
Raj Bhargava, CEO of Manner Polymers, said the facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing control systems while producing nearly all of its electricity on-site.
Mount Vernon Mayor John Lewis welcomed the company, noting the economic growth and job opportunities it brings to the city. Christy George, CEO and president of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, highlighted the project as a milestone for the state’s electric vehicle ecosystem.
The facility was supported by a $54 million Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) incentive package, which included $2.5 million in infrastructure for a new rail spur to improve transportation access.
Senator Terri Bryant (R–Murphysboro) described the project as a win for both Illinois’ manufacturing industry and the growing clean energy economy.
