In this week’s edition of Business Pulse, we spotlight the compelling decisions that make Chicagoland a top destination for corporate investment. For the past 11 years, the Chicagoland region has been recognized as a Top Metro for Corporate Investment, a testament to its strength as a prime hub for business growth and development.

This week, we are excited to delve into another “pro-Chicagoland” decision by an international company that has chosen to invest significantly in the Chicagoland region.

Introducing Perla Table Foods

Perla Foods USA, a Polish specialty foods manufacturer, has achieved major success overseas thanks to its deep commitment to quality and tradition. The company offers a variety of products, including antipasti, table hummus, prepared meals, and wraps. With notable customers like Aldi, Costco, and Walmart in its home market, Perla Table Foods decided to expand its presence in the U.S. market.

In September 2023, the company selected the Chicagoland region for its U.S. operations. This decision was influenced by the area’s prime location, providing easy access to the rest of the country from the Midwest, and its proximity to key clients.

“As they [Perla] looked to potentially expand to the U.S., several cities were considered. Chicago stood out due to the presence of ALDI in the area, along with the ability to cover the U.S. from the Chicago area. Other factors that were considered included suppliers and the accessible workforce,” said George Vukotich, Economic Development Advisor & Consultant.

Perla Table Food facility in Europe.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and for Perla Table Foods, that step was an initial conversation that bridged the gap between continents. In late September, Perla’s executives met with key Chicagoland partners to discuss turning their expansion idea into reality. This pivotal meeting included Anthony (Tony) Nasharr from Polsinelli, Karla Ruth Orozco Toledano, Director of Foreign Direct Investment, World Business Chicago, Dan Shea from ASG Staffing, Suzanne Reade from Chicago Arch Angels, and Joanna Fijolek from Bank of America, among others. The discussions covered legal steps to establish their U.S. presence, available incentives and assistance, staffing, funding, and banking, as well as their goals and timeline. Also present were Luke Saunders, Adena Kerzner, Sarah Rigsbee, and Mari Rosenfeld from Chicago start-up, Farmer’s Fridge, who shared insights into their success within the Chicagoland food and beverage industry, highlighting workforce opportunities and ecosystem growth.

For World Business Chicago, the next step was to introduce Perla and its project to Enrique Rubio, CGBP, Senior Business Development Manager of the Food and Agriculture industries, and Raven Duong, Site Selection Lead. They conducted a site selection search focused on facilities in the region. Within a week, a comprehensive package was presented to Perla, including potential sites for lease or purchase and available incentives to support their move.

According to World Business Chicago’s Research Center report, Innovation in Chicago’s Food Industry, Chicago’s proximity to the nation’s most productive farmland and an extensive transportation network has historically fueled the industry’s growth.

Today, Chicago is the nation’s leading food innovation and manufacturing hub, boasting the largest food manufacturing workforce in the country, 24 corporate innovation centers, and over 75 incubators and accelerators. This thriving ecosystem has nurtured industry-changing companies such as Farmer’s Fridge, Ferrero with its Innovation Center and North America R&D Labs, and Eli’s Cheesecake Company with a $10 million investment in a 42,000-square-foot expanded facility.

Building Momentum: Collaboration and Decisions

After outlining the key factors influencing Perla’s decision, Enrique Rubio and Christopher Chaidez, CGBP, CDMP, GCEP Regional Manager, engaged the team from Kane County Economic. This included Kane County Board Chairman Corinne M. Pierog MA, MBA, and the county’s economic development team, Mark VanKerkhoff, AIA, Christopher Toth, and Economic Development Advisor John. Greuling, all working together via the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP).

The GCEP, established to prospect, pitch, and market the Chicagoland region’s assets, saw this as an ideal opportunity to leverage its convening power and craft a strategic plan for Perla.

The World Business Chicago Research Center’s GCEP Asset Map is a crucial tool for site selectors and expanding businesses; see link below under resources.

In early November 2023, Perla Table Foods met with representatives from the city of North Aurora and Kane County (on behalf of the GCEP) to discuss the 950 Ice Cream Drive property in North Aurora, Illinois. John Greuling noted Perla’s strong interest in purchasing this property to enhance its manufacturing capabilities. To further explore this opportunity, Warren Ribley, Assistant Executive Director of the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority, was brought in to discuss the potential benefits of extending the enterprise zone to include this purchase.

By early December 2023, alongside discussions about the Enterprise Zone extension, Perla engaged with Renee Wott, MPA, and Ginta Rose Rubin from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to explore the EDGE Tax Credit Program. Perla applied for both the Enterprise Zone extension and the EDGE Tax Credit program before the year’s end, anticipating positive outcomes to kickstart 2024.

Chicago has long been a global economic powerhouse, ranking 22nd globally, ahead of Poland, Sweden, and Belgium. Chicago is one of the most diversified economies of the largest U.S. metros (based on output and employment).

Looking to the Future: How World Business Chicago Supports International Companies

“Chicago has been, and will continue to be, a global powerhouse. Not only due to its international ties with its Chicago Sister Cities International programs, its great international community, and organizations, but also because of its diversity of population and inclusiveness of all people and communities,” said Christopher Chaidez, World Business Chicago.

In the case of Perla Table Foods, multiple partners within the Chicagoland ecosystem—including World Business Chicago, the GCEP, Kane County Government, the city of North Aurora, the Illinois DCEO, and the UIRVDA—collaborated to help the company establish its presence in the number one metro area for food and beverage from overseas. This journey began with a single step and was fueled by a collective effort.

Chicagoland is open for business to the world.

“Perla has been very successful in Europe, with major customers like ALDI, Costco, and Walmart, which also have a significant presence in the U.S. As they looked to expand, Chicago stood out due to ALDI USA‘s presence and the region’s strategic position to cover the U.S. The availability of suppliers, an accessible workforce, and the incentives provided by organizations like World Business Chicago and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity played crucial roles. With collaborative efforts, we brought together resources in banking, accounting, legal, and the food scene, enabling Perla to navigate challenges and move forward swiftly. A long-term facility has been acquired, and plans are underway, with a temporary space being leased for immediate production needs.” –– George Vukotich, Economic Development Advisor & Consultant.

Perla Table Foods’ decision to invest in the Chicagoland region is a testament to the area’s attractiveness for international companies seeking growth and success. This partnership highlights the strength of Chicagoland’s business ecosystem and its ability to support companies from around the world. As we celebrate this achievement, World Business Chicago remains committed to fostering similar success stories, ensuring that Chicagoland continues to be a top destination for business innovation and expansion.

Resources:

• Read more about the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP)
• GCEP Year-in-Review Report
• GCEP Asset Map
• To learn how your business can benefit from the Chicagoland region’s strengths, assets, and engaged business community, connect with World Business Chicago’s GCEP Lead Christopher Chaidez, CGBP, CDMP