Wauconda to rename street for expanding company
Wauconda officials will rename a street in the village’s industrial park in welcoming Synergy Flavors Inc. to its new expanded facilities.
Village trustees passed an ordinance recently to change Denmar Drive, a cul-de-sac between Henri Drive and Karl Court along Bonner Road, to Synergy Drive. The company is designing a new campus there.
Once paperwork goes through Lake County, an official unveiling is set for June 18, Village Administrator David Geary said.
“We’re proud that Synergy has chosen to do their expansion here in Wauconda,” Geary said. “It’s a well-recognized global company and an asset to the village, and we want to show we appreciate them being here.”
Synergy, an international food and beverage flavor company, requested the name change earlier this spring as it expands within Wauconda. The company has been located in the village since 1993.
Last spring, the village approved a proposal by the company to move from its current offices at 1230 Karl Court to an expanded campus at 1260 Henri Drive. Remodeling and additions are under way at the new site, which will house Synergy’s U.S. headquarters and several testing laboratories.
Synergy CEO Roderick Sowders said he expected the move to be complete by the end of this year.
“We’re excited about the future in Wauconda,” Sowders said. “We didn’t want to lose the talented employee base we have in this area.”
Synergy employs more than 100 people. After acquiring two other flavoring businesses in the last year, Sowders said he expects the company to add up to 40 jobs by the end of 2013.
“The company has been fortunate to hold its own in some tough times, and we’re looking forward to continued growth,” he said.
Not all Synergy employees are from Wauconda, but Mayor Mark Knigge said the influx of jobs would be a boon to the local economy.
“It translates to more people being here and using our services, trying our restaurants, and visiting our stores,” Knigge said. “Over almost 20 years, we’ve developed a great relationship with them.”