Voortman Steel is expected to bring jobs, revenue, and a dash of cachet to Monee.
The global leading manufacturer of CNC steel processing, Voortman has made the village its headquarters, a move some thought was unlikely, given the international opportunities that were available.
But the company’s massive office and manufacturing warehouse project in Monee is underway on a 27-acre site at 25715 S. Ridgeland Avenue.
Now in the first phase of four, it includes a 20,000-square-foot office area and a 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
In an overview of the project, Voortman Steel President Ben Morall told the village board last week that the office area would have a total of 80 jobs, along with additional staff of 62 people for the manufacturing area. He said 95 percent of them would be local hires.
The site will be fully landscaped with a walking path surround.
The Monee headquarters is anticipated to “bring customers from all over the world to get machinery demonstrations on our newest technologies…which will drive traffic to local hospitality businesses.”
The training facilities there will increase the need for more technical positions “with excellent compensation.”
Morall said the company would work with local education institutions for the training facilities and additional technical support staff.
Voortman broke ground at the former Rainbow Farms site in September. Morall said construction is expected to be complete “around January of ‘26.”
“Our passion is to build success and create products that provide real solutions for the steel processing industries,” Morall added.
Monee Village Administrator Ruben Bautista noted later Voortman Steel’s “presence in Monee is significant on multiple levels.”
“They’re a crucial part of the steel infrastructure supply chain, fabricating, and laser-cutting I-beams used in everything from skyscrapers and bridges to cranes and other major construction projects,” he said.
“This output plays a vital role in global development, particularly in emerging economies.
“The global steel landscape shifted dramatically after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Prior to the conflict, Ukraine housed the world’s largest steel plant, a facility tragically destroyed in the early days of the war. This devastation placed increased pressure on other steel producers worldwide, including Voortman.
“Nationally, Illinois has struggled with businesses relocating overseas, or other states, seeking lower costs. Voortman has defied this trend, choosing instead to expand its Monee operations. This expansion is a major win for Illinois, preserving vital jobs and reinvestment in our local economy,” Bautista continued.
“Here in Monee, we’ve fostered a strong partnership with Voortman over the past several years. Bill Barnes has been instrumental in supporting their growth, assisting with site selection and navigating economic incentives and grants. This collaborative approach has been key to Voortman’s continued commitment to our village.
“We’re also keenly aware of the growing skills gap in the trades. As skilled professionals, such as electricians, mechanics, welders, and even barbers retire, younger generations aren’t always stepping in to fill those roles. To address this locally, we’ve launched an internship program at village hall, spearheaded by Jude Knabe. This program introduces young people to diverse career paths, providing mentorship and support. We’ve already seen success stories, like the young woman who interned with our police department and now is pursuing a career in law enforcement.
“We’ve shared this vision with Voortman, and they’re enthusiastically partnering with the village and Governors State University to create an internship program at their Monee plant. This is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to gain hands-on experience in a real-world manufacturing environment and contribute to the community’s future.
“Mayor Bogs, Village Trustees, and the administration are incredibly excited about this partnership,” he said.
“It underscores Voortman’s commitment to Monee and its future, and we believe it will be a tremendous asset to our community.”
Following Morall’s presentation, the board authorized Bautista and Village Attorney Lawrence Gryczewski to begin discussions for a redevelopment agreement for the Voortman site.
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