BRADLEY – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that global biotherapeutics leader CSL will invest nearly $1.5 billion to construct a new manufacturing facility at the company’s Kankakee campus, creating 300 new full-time jobs while retaining more than 1,200 existing positions. CSL’s investment marks one of the largest life sciences investments in Illinois history, reinforcing the state’s leadership while underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting innovative companies looking to grow or locate in Illinois.

“Illinois is leading the way in life sciences manufacturing, and CSL’s $1.5 billion investment is a powerful vote of confidence in our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This expansion will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical therapies. CSL’s continued growth in Kankakee County builds on decades of innovation and manufacturing leadership right here in Illinois. We’re proud to partner with CSL as they expand their footprint and deepen their commitment to communities across our state.”

“Behind every plasma-derived therapy is a person trying to live a more stable life, and a donor who made that therapy possible,” said Gordon Naylor, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, CSL. “As the need for plasma-derived therapies continues to grow in the U.S. and globally, expanding our Kankakee site further strengthens this key hub in our supply network. We thank our partners in government and our local community for supporting our mission to serve those who require these essential medicines.”

“This site expansion marks an important step forward in increasing efficiency by incorporating new, innovative manufacturing processes and technology into how we produce the plasma-based medicines needed by so many people” said Mary Oates, CSL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “These improvements will increase protein yield from each gram of plasma collected, strengthening Kankakee’s role as a vital site in our global network.”

CSL will expand their current footprint in Illinois by constructing a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at their Kankakee campus to increase production capacity for the company’s top immunoglobulin therapies, Privigen and Hizentra. For the first time, this project will bring the company’s full manufacturing process—from plasma collection through filling and packing—entirely to the U.S., while positioning the Illinois facility to supply 100% of its U.S. demand for immunoglobulin therapies.

“Illinois’ continued success in attracting transformative investments like this one is a result of our longstanding leadership in the life science manufacturing sector, and an intentional focus under the Pritzker administration to invest in state policy and programs that bolster the sector’s strength,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The state is driving capital investment, cultivating innovation, and creating good-paying careers that support long-term economic growth in communities across Illinois.”

“CSL’s decision to establish a new facility and consolidate its U.S. manufacturing process in Kankakee speaks volumes to Illinois’ desirability as a place to do business,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “Illinois is at the center of commerce and innovation thanks to its elite workforce, strategic location in the heart of the U.S., robust infrastructure, and deeply engaged and collaborative business community, as is evident in Illinois’ growing biopharmaceutical ecosystem.”

Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker continues to build the foundation for long-term success by focusing on the key growth industries, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Last week, Site Selection Magazine ranked Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocations for the fourth year in a row; top-ranked infrastructure, access to supply chains, world-class research institutions, and qualified workforce make it a premier destination to grow or locate businesses.

“The expansion of CSL’s facilities is more proof that under Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois is a state where businesses thrive,” said ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones. “ComEd is proud to provide the power infrastructure to support CSL’s growth, along with delivering nation-leading reliable service. As CSL expands, so will its industry leadership in providing lifesaving medicines.”

“For people living with rare diseases like primary immunodeficiency (PI), consistent access to treatment is the foundation that lets them plan their days and their futures,” said Jorey Berry, president and CEO, Immunodeficiency Deficiency Foundation. “Manufacturing plasma-derived therapies is a lengthy and complex process, and maintaining reliable supply is an ongoing challenge. Patients depend on meaningful investment from industry partners—and on policies that support, rather than hinder, that commitment. For the Immune Deficiency Foundation, this expansion in Kankakee is a powerful sign that patients’ hopes are truly being prioritized.”

“This is exciting news on several fronts. First and foremost, the life-saving therapies CSL produces changes lives,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Kankakee). “For the region’s economy, this is great news for the 300 good paying jobs and the investment in our local community through infrastructure improvements.”

“I am thrilled CSL made the decision to expand in Illinois, right here in the 79th district,” said State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee). “This $1.5 billion expansion will provide more access to patients across the globe, while also bringing more jobs and opportunities to our community. CSL has always been a wonderful partner to this community. I can’t wait to see the positive impacts this expansion will have on our entire region.”

“The announcement of the CSL expansion today and its continued growth in Kankakee County is exciting and welcome news,” said Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis. “To have a high-tech pharmaceutical company that produces lifesaving products for a global market right here in our region, shows other companies that Kankakee County and Illinois are the right place to locate your business to be successful. The City of Kankakee is proud to be associated with CSL by having provided them with additional sewer capacity and a dedicated sewer line for their exclusive use. CSL Behring’s continued growth and prosperity makes them a key asset for our County and local municipalities. ​ We look forward to partnering with them for the betterment of our region for many more years to come.”

“Manufacturing makes the world a better place to live, and CSL is a perfect example of the impact this industry has at home and abroad,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “For more than a century, this innovative and dynamic company has produced lifesaving medicines used across the world, and it’s thrilling that they have chosen to expand their footprint in Illinois with a $1.5 billion investment. In addition to saving and improving lives, CSL is a major economic contributor to the region, creating jobs and generating economic impact that is vital to our state’s overall success. This expansion is a win for Illinois and the many people across the globe who rely on the groundbreaking work of CSL.”

“CSL’s investment underscores the critical role Illinois plays in producing the lifesaving therapies patients depend on,” said John Conrad, President and CEO of the Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO). “Our state’s combination of scientific talent, manufacturing expertise, and leading research institutions makes Illinois an ideal place for companies to grow advanced biologics manufacturing. Expansions like this help ensure patients around the world have access to the innovative treatments they need.”

Illinois is home to a thriving life sciences ecosystem, with more than 15,000 life sciences firms operating across the state, spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing. The state also ranks among the top five in the nation for producing life sciences talent, ensuring companies expanding in Illinois have access to a deep and highly skilled workforce. The Chicago region ranks 10th nationally in biopharma R&D employment and third in biopharma manufacturing talent, underscoring Illinois’ strength across the full life sciences innovation pipeline. With world-class research institutions, a strong manufacturing base, and a growing biotech sector, Illinois continues to solidify its position as a national leader in life sciences innovation and production.

As part of a comprehensive incentive package, CSL has committed to investing $1.5 billion and creating at least 300 new full-time jobs and retaining more than 1,200. An Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with the State is in the process of being finalized and will be posted here upon execution.

In 2025 alone, companies incentivized through State economic development programs committed to investing more than $13 billion dollars and created 3,000 new jobs—a testament to Illinois as a powerful driver of job creation and capital investment in communities statewide.

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