June 22, 2026 – Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) plans to invest more than $103 million to modernize key facilities at its Decatur operations, a project expected to create 50 new full-time jobs while retaining more than 1,000 existing positions, according to an announcement Monday from Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
The investment will support upgrades at ADM’s North American headquarters in Decatur, where the company has operated since 1939. State officials said the project reinforces Decatur’s role as a major center for agricultural processing 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,” Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement. “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.”
The modernization project will focus on ADM’s soybean processing and corn wet milling operations in Decatur. Planned improvements include upgrades to the company’s west and east soybean plants and its corn wet mill. The project will replace aging control systems with new technology designed to improve equipment monitoring, reduce downtime, and increase production efficiency.
According to ADM, the work will enhance soy crushing and refining operations, improve production lines for protein-based products, and modernize grain storage and corn milling capabilities. More than 40,000 input/output modules and associated control systems are expected to be replaced as part of the project.
“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 of North America and Carbohydrate Solutions for 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.”
The project is being supported through Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax incentive program. Under the agreement, ADM has committed to investing at least $103 million and creating at least 50 full-time jobs.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards said the investment reflects the state’s efforts to support major employers and key industries.
“Illinois remains committed to fostering long-term economic growth by supporting the industries that keep our state competitive on a global scale,” Richards said. “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.”
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said the project will help strengthen the state’s agricultural sector.
“As Illinois continues to grow its leadership in next-generation agriculture and food processing, investments like this are essential to maintaining our competitive edge,” Costello said. “ADM’s commitment to modernizing its Decatur operations supports farmers, creates jobs, and helps ensure Illinois remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.”
Local officials also welcomed the announcement.
“We usually think economic development is about bringing new companies to town with great paying jobs, and we love those announcements,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “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.”
Moore Wolfe called ADM Decatur’s largest employer and thanked state leaders for supporting the company’s continued growth in Illinois.
ADM operates one of the world’s largest integrated agricultural processing hubs in Decatur, converting corn and soybeans into ingredients, fuels, and nutrition products used by customers around the globe. State officials said the investment aligns with Illinois’ economic development strategy focused on agriculture, food processing, and agricultural technology.
According to DCEO, companies participating in the EDGE program in 2026 have committed to creating more than 5,000 jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments statewide.
