Decatur: ADM Invests $103 Million to Modernize Operations, Creates 50 New Jobs

Decatur's Largest Employer Doubles Down

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) will invest more than $103 million to modernize its Decatur operations, according to an announcement Monday from Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The project will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain more than 1,000 existing positions at the company's North American headquarters.

ADM has operated in Decatur since 1939. The company employs more than 4,000 people in the city. Decatur is ADM's largest footprint and employee population globally, according to the company.

"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.

What the Money Buys

The modernization project targets three key facilities. ADM will upgrade its west and east soybean plants and its corn wet mill. The company 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 include:

• Enhancing soy crushing and refining operations
• Upgrading production lines for protein-based products including isolate and textured vegetable protein
• Modernizing grain storage elevators and corn milling capabilities
• Replacing more than 40,000 input/output modules and associated control systems

ADM converts corn and soybeans into ingredients, fuels, and nutrition products used by food, beverage, and industrial customers around the world. The Decatur facility is one of the largest integrated agricultural processing hubs in the world.

State Incentives Behind the Deal

The investment is supported through Illinois' Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax incentive program. Under the agreement, ADM committed to investing at least $103 million and creating at least 50 new full-time jobs.

"Illinois remains committed to fostering long-term economic growth by supporting the industries that keep our state competitive on a global scale," said Kristin Richards, DCEO Director. "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."

According to the 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.

Local Leaders React

Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe called ADM the city's largest employer and thanked state leaders for supporting the company's continued growth.

"We usually think economic development is about bringing new companies to town with great paying jobs, and we love those announcements," Moore Wolfe said. "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."

State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) and State Representative Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) both praised the investment.

"ADM's investment in Decatur is a powerful vote of confidence in our workforce and our community," said Turner. "This modernization will create new jobs and ensure Central Illinois remains a global leader in agriculture and food processing."

"ADM has been a cornerstone of Decatur for generations, and this major investment ensures that legacy continues," said Scherer.

Governor Pritzker said the investment reinforces Illinois' position as an international economic powerhouse.

"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," Pritzker said.