Gov. Pritzker Announces ADM to Invest $103 Million to Modernize Decatur Operations

Project will create jobs and strengthen one of the world's largest agricultural processing hubs

DECATUR - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced today that ADM will invest over $103 million to modernize key facilities at its North American headquarters in Decatur, where the company has maintained a presence since 1939. The company's investment will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain over 1,000 existing full-time jobs, reinforcing Decatur's role as a global center for agriculture and manufacturing.

"For nearly a century, ADM has helped shape communities and livelihoods in Central Illinois, delivering opportunities for workers and families while growing a world-renowned agricultural enterprise," said Governor JB Pritzker. "ADM's growth is one of the reasons Illinois is an international economic powerhouse, and I'm proud to celebrate the company's latest move to modernize its facilities, create new jobs for our talented workforce, and continue to innovate right here in Illinois."

"ADM has been an important part of Central Illinois for generations, and this investment reflects confidence in our people, our communities, and our future," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "Projects like this strengthen our economy, support working families, and help ensure Illinois remains a leader in innovation and agriculture."

"For more than 85 years, ADM has been proud to call Decatur home, and today we're excited to announce this significant investment in our facilities, our workforce, and the broader community," said Chris Cuddy, President, North America and Carbohydrate Solutions, ADM. "With more than 4,000 colleagues based here, Decatur represents ADM's largest footprint and employee population, making it a vital hub that helps connect U.S. farmers with markets and customers around the world. Investments like this strengthen our ability to support customers, drive economic growth, and reinforce Illinois' leadership in agriculture. Programs like EDGE play an important role in keeping Illinois competitive and fostering continued growth, and they would not be possible without the vision and support of Governor Pritzker."

In Decatur, ADM operates one of the world's largest integrated agricultural processing hubs, converting corn and soybeans into ingredients, fuels, and nutrition products used by food, beverage, and industrial customers around the globe. With support from the State of Illinois, ADM is undertaking a major modernization initiative at its Decatur processing complex, upgrading critical facilities across its west and east soybean plants and the corn wet mill to replace aging control systems with state-of-the-art technology.

"Illinois remains committed to fostering long-term economic growth by supporting the industries that keep our state competitive on a global scale," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Through strategic tools like the EDGE program, we're empowering companies to invest in modern, resilient operations that create quality jobs and strengthen local economies."

"As Illinois continues to grow its leadership in next-generation agriculture and food processing, investments like this are essential to maintaining our competitive edge," said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. "ADM's commitment to modernizing its Decatur operations supports farmers, creates jobs, and helps ensure Illinois remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation."

The modernization project will enhance soy crush and refining operations, improve isolate, textured vegetable protein, and other protein production lines, and modernize storage elevators and corn milling capabilities. By replacing more than 40,000 input/output modules and associated control systems, ADM will be able to significantly improve equipment monitoring, reduce unplanned downtime, and boost production efficiency.

"ADM's investment in Decatur is a powerful vote of confidence in our workforce and our community," said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "This modernization will create new jobs and ensure Central Illinois remains a global leader in agriculture and food processing."

"ADM has been a cornerstone of Decatur for generations, and this major investment ensures that legacy continues," said State Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur). "By modernizing these facilities and creating new jobs, ADM is helping secure a strong economic future for our region and the families who call it home."

With support from the State's Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, ADM has committed to investing at least $103 million and creating at least 50 new full-time jobs. A link to the full agreement can be found here. So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments.

"We usually think economic development is about bringing new companies to town with great paying jobs, and we love those announcements! But there's another equally important side, and that's not only keeping the companies we have, but helping them grow and expand their job base," said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. "Archer Daniels Midland is our largest employer in Decatur - a company we want to keep building here. I want to thank Governor Pritzker and his hands-on efforts to help companies like ADM continue to grow in Illinois, proving we are a business-friendly state."

"ADM is one of Illinois' most storied companies, with a global footprint spanning biofuels, nutrition, and food ingredients," said Illinois EDC President & CEO Christy George. "This investment in ADM's Decatur facility represents another meaningful chapter in its longstanding commitment to Central Illinois - modernizing key soybean processing and corn wet milling operations while reinforcing one of the state's most important production hubs."