Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Alderman Michael Scott today joined The Will Group’s President Josh Davis to celebrate the company’s continued growth in Chicago. The African-American and family-owned electrical product and service provider plans to build a $5.5 million production facility in West Garfield Park through relocation assistance provided by the City of Chicago.
 
“Chicago believes in its local businesses and this deal represents our commitment to fostering the success of companies like the Will Group while working to revitalization our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Neighborhood investments don’t just create jobs; they create stronger communities, and I look forward to seeing what great things are in store for this company and its surrounding residents.”
 
The Will Group, which manufactures electrical equipment for utility companies, municipalities and private clients, will construct the 40,000-square-foot complex at 825 S. Kilpatrick Ave. in the Roosevelt-Cicero Industrial Corridor.
 
The 30-year-old company, which operates several separate and distinct entities, plans to manufacture smart LED light fixtures, solar panels, capacitor banks, reclosers, and other electrical products in the new building, which will employ 34 people with plans to grow to add 14 new hires.
 
“By consolidating our production resources, this project will be key to The Will Group’s continued success and expansion beyond the traditional boundaries of the lighting business,” said Davis.
 
Vacant for approximately 15 years and valued at $440,000, the 3.3-acre development site is owned by the City of Chicago. Sale terms will be presented to City Council later this year.
 
“We are taking vacant lots and turning them into viable community anchors for the west side.,” said Alderman Scott. “Working together with the City, our community leaders and strong business partners like The Will Group, we are transforming the west side and bringing more jobs to this community.”
 
The building will primarily be used by Will Group company, Lyons View Manufacturing and Supply. Other Will Group entities that will utilize the building include Electrical Resource Management, Lighting Solutions of Illinois, and TWiG Technologies.
 
Previous and ongoing company projects include the Chicago Smart Lighting Program, which was procured by the Chicago Infrastructure Trust; O’Hare International Airport LED streetlight upgrade; City of Chicago Residential Blocks Program; ComEd’s Smart Streetlight Program; and Exelon’s Distribution Capacitor Bank Project.
 
The Roosevelt-Cicero Industrial Corridor is part of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development’s Industrial Growth Zone program, which helps developers to efficiently resolve environmental conditions and regulatory requirements for new investment projects, among other concierge services.
 
The project also highlights the viability of solar projects within Chicago and builds on the City’s strong environmental track record. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the City of Chicago earned a 2017 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award. It is given annually to honor organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Additionally, the Chicago Smart Lighting Project, also procured on behalf of the City by the CIT, is on track to convert 270,000 of Chicago’s outdoor lighting fixtures to LED, reducing the City’s street lighting electricity consumption by over 50%.

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