Gov. Pritzker Cuts Ribbon on $250 Million Incobrasa Expansion

GILMAN - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) celebrated Incobrasa Industries' new soybean processing plant and solar array in Gilman, reinforcing Illinois' position as the nation's leading soybean-producing state and a growing hub for biofuels, food processing, and advanced agricultural manufacturing.

"Illinois is proudly the nation's top soybean producer, and Icobrasa is powering the modern economy with those soybeans in the heart of our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This expansion marks the next chapter for Incobrasa, with a transformational investment that will create new jobs and scale up production capacity for biofuel, farm feed, and more - all while affirming Illinois' role as an innovator in the agriculture industry."

"Incobrasa's new crush plant is the single largest extraction process in the country. Requiring 300,000 bushels per day, it will provide a stable market for 7000 local family farms. By producing oil for biodiesel production and soy protein for animal feed, the process will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower the cost of food. It is a great win for the people of Illinois," said Kerry Fogarty, Quality Control Manager at Incobrasa. "None of this would be possible if it were not for the tireless efforts of our elected officials in Springfield and Washington, D.C. The relentless work of the Illinois Soybean Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America and Sustainable Advanced Biofuel Refiners cannot be understated. They have worked together to secure a bright future for biodiesel production in the U.S. Without this, the expansion in Gilman would never have come to fruition."

The completed project includes a 170,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility to meet the growing demand for its soybean crushing services, creating 40 new full-time jobs for the region while retaining 200 positions. Located adjacent to Incobrasa's existing facility, the new processing plant doubles the company's production capacity and can process nearly 100 million bushels of soybeans annually. The facility converts soybeans into soybean meal used for animal feed and soybean oil that can be refined into biodiesel and other renewable fuel products. in addition to the soybean crushing plant, the company constructed a 50-acre solar array, which has the capacity to generate five megawatts of energy, which can be used to provide power directly to the plant or to feed the grid.

"Incobrasa's expansion in Gilman is a prime example of what makes Illinois a premier destination for businesses," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "We are proud to support companies that drive economic development and long-term job creation, ensuring Illinois remains the best place to live, work, and do business."

"Illinois agriculture continues to be a powerful economic engine, and projects like this showcase the strength of our soybean industry," said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. "Incobrasa's expansion creates new opportunities for farmers, supports local jobs, and advances Illinois' position as a national leader in agricultural innovation and processing."

Guided by Illinois' Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker continues to build the foundation for long-term success by focusing on key growth industries including next generation agriculture, ag tech, and food processing. As the nation's largest soybean producer and the fourth-largest biodiesel producer, Illinois is uniquely positioned to meet growing demand for renewable fuels, which is projected to increase by 28 percent globally between 2021 and 2026. That competitive advantage is helping attract investments like Incrobrasa's $250 million investment further solidifies the state's role as a premier destination to locate or expand a business with its top-ranked infrastructure, access to supply chains, and skilled workforce.

This project was bolstered by the State's Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with Incobrasa Industries, which is available here. So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 new jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments.