Today’s press conference announcing Navistar International’s decision to locate its company headquarters in Lisle brings welcome news to DuPage County and Illinois.

Gov. Pat Quinn and Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined Navistar President Dan Ustian and DuPage County Board president Bob Schillerstrom at this morning’s press conference in Lisle. Navistar officials had been considering sites in several southern states including Texas, South Carolina and Alabama, but decided on Lisle to relocate its corporate offices from Warrenville.

Governor Quinn said keeping the company in Illinois will create and retain 3,000 permanent jobs and 400 construction jobs over the next several years. Senate Bill 3089, sponsored by Senator Kwame Raoul, expanded the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit that specifically benefits Navistar, which was the company’s determining factor to stay in Illinois.

The announcement comes after Navistar had said recently it would look to other states when locals raised opposition to the new development. Clarifying that the job-creating new facility would be a corporate office and not an engine testing facility made Navistar’s plans more palatable to opponents and very attractive to officials in Lisle and surrounding communities. Navistar’s investment includes funding to upgrade existing manufacturing, research and development and distribution operations.

"Job creation and retention are key to economic recovery for our state, so this is great news," said Senate President John Cullerton. "Today’s announcement is the result of bipartisan cooperation and creative leadership to grow jobs in Illinois. It’s rewarding to see this winning effort for all involved."