West Chicago’s Jel Sert to receive $5.5 million tax credit to expand

West Chicago’s 98-year-old Jel Sert Company will receive more than $5.5 million in tax credit toward manufacturing expansion through an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity program.

In an agreement signed March 21, Jel Sert will add 50 full-time jobs and retain its nearly 1,000 existing employees as it expands at its headquarters, 501 Conde St., and its distribution center, 444 Charles Court, both in West Chicago.

“The city extends its congratulations to The Jel Sert Company on this significant milestone,” West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda said in an email to the Daily Herald.

“As an integral member of West Chicago’s vibrant industrial landscape, The Jel Sert Company stands as a cornerstone of our local economy. We look forward to supporting its continued success, and greatly appreciate the continued investment in our community,” he said.

In 2023, companies in the Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credit program committed nearly $900 million in investments across Illinois, according to a news release.

The family-owned Jel Sert Company, incorporated in 1926, plans an investment of more than $10 million to build a new manufacturing operation along with increasing the number of manufacturing lines to enhance production of its powdered stick packs such as the Wyler’s Light and Pure Kick drink mix lines.

“At Jel Sert, we believe in the power of community and the strength of local manufacturing,” Jel Sert President Ken Wegner said in the news release. “Our expansion in West Chicago reaffirms our commitment to the community and to continue providing American families with the quality products they love.”

The agreement with Jel Sert and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says production has been maximized at Jel Sert’s main headquarters, and requires a filling and packing expansion at 444 Charles Court, which has “only hosted distribution operations.”

The agreement says the 50 new jobs will involve packing and supply chain duties. They, along with more than 900 existing full-time employees, will support expanded production at both Jel Sert locations.

“I’m thrilled that Jel Sert decided to expand their footprint in Illinois with more than 50 new jobs in West Chicago,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in the news release. “They’re a leader in the manufacturing space and we look forward to our continued partnership as they grow in Illinois.”