Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced today that ADM will invest more than $103 million to modernize facilities at its North American headquarters in Decatur. The company’s investment will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain over 1,000 existing positions.
ADM has maintained operations in Decatur since 1939. The facility represents the company’s largest footprint, with more than 4,000 employees based at the location.
Modernization scope
The project will upgrade facilities across ADM’s west and east soybean plants and the corn wet mill. The company plans to replace more than 40,000 input/output modules and associated control systems with modern technology.
The modernization will improve soy crush and refining operations, protein production lines, storage elevators and corn milling capabilities. ADM expects the upgrades to improve equipment monitoring, reduce unplanned downtime and increase production efficiency.
“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 at ADM.
State support
The State of Illinois will support the project through the Economic Development for a Growing Economy program. ADM has committed to investing at least $103 million and creating at least 50 new full-time jobs under the agreement.
Companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments so far in 2026.
“ADM’s investment in Decatur is a powerful vote of confidence in our workforce and our community,” said state Sen. Doris Turner. “This modernization will create new jobs and ensure Central Illinois remains a global leader in agriculture and food processing.”
In Decatur, ADM operates one of the world’s largest integrated agricultural processing hubs. The facility converts corn and soybeans into ingredients, fuels and nutrition products used by food, beverage and industrial customers around the globe.
Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said the investment represents an important commitment to the community. “Archer Daniels Midland is our largest employer in Decatur — a company we want to keep building here,” she said.
