DECATUR, Ill (WICS) — Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), announced a significant $2 billion investment from Cronus Chemicals LLC to build a new fertilizer production facility in Tuscola, Illinois.
The project, supported by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, is set to create 130 new jobs in Central Illinois, strengthen the state’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors, and decrease reliance on imported nitrogen products.
“Illinois is building the infrastructure to power an entirely new bioeconomy by attracting major industry players to innovate right here in our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Cronus Chemicals is a shining example of that vision. Their new $2 billion, state-of-the-art facility in Tuscola will create more than 130 full-time jobs, serve as an anchor for the agricultural industry of tomorrow, and spur investment that will extend out across not just agriculture, but the entire Illinois economy.”
The facility will produce 950,000 short tons of ammonia annually, positioning Cronus as a key player in both national and global fertilizer markets. It will incorporate carbon capture and storage technology to trap and store up to 90% of carbon dioxide emissions, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, the facility will supply locally produced fertilizers to Midwestern farmers.
The announcement aligns with the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, where leaders in agriculture and manufacturing gather to showcase innovation and investment in rural America. As part of the state’s incentive package, Cronus Chemicals LLC received an EDGE tax credit, committing to the $2 billion investment and the creation of 130 new full-time jobs.
Illinois, a major player on the global stage with diverse exports including chemicals, agricultural products, and machinery, ranks No. 1 in the production of soybeans, pumpkins, and horseradish; No. 2 in corn; No. 4 in hogs; and No. 10 in wheat.
The state is home to over 71,000 farms, generating more than $26 billion in agricultural products and exporting $13.7 billion, with significant trade to Mexico, Canada, and China.
