Method Picks Chicago for First US Manufacturing Site

Officials from Method joined Mayor Rahm Emanuel and representatives from Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration to announce that Method will open a flagship manufacturing facility in the Pullman neighborhood in Chicago. It is the company’s first US manufacturing facility.

Method expects to break ground in November 2013 and be fully up and running by early 2015.

Committed to designing innovative, safe, environmentally conscious products, Method is a certified B Corporation, with social and environmental change a company objective. In 2012, Method became the world’s largest green cleaning company after its acquisition by Ecover. The company is going to seek LEED certification for the building, which will be designed to be an environmentally friendly facility.

“Building a world-class manufacturing plant is pivotal for us as a leader in innovative and sustainable products and the support from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois have been integral in our considerations,” said Drew Fraser, CEO of Method. “Chicago’s commitment to job growth and its business-friendly environment truly helped make this opportunity possible for Method. We are proud and excited to build a facility that inspires our community, our great consumers, and our industry. We aim to demonstrate our commitment to the region and hope to play a vital part in the growth and prosperity of the area.”

“The opportunity to build our first manufacturing plant in Chicago marks a milestone in Method’s journey of aligning our interests as a business with the interests of society and the environment. The Pullman neighborhood of Chicago not only has a rich industrial heritage that serves as a fitting backdrop to an inspiring new model for urban renewal and sustainable manufacturing, there is a strong spirit and work ethic among this community,” stated Adam Lowry, co-founder and chief greenskeeper of Method. “As a native of the Great Lakes region, I’m particularly grateful to be returning to the Midwest to help create manufacturing jobs and green-collar jobs in Chicago that will help build strong, prosperous communities.”

Method will be eligible for tax credits worth $1.1 million over 10 years based on creating and retaining 65 jobs. The tax credits are linked to performance and the company is not eligible for them unless it meets its commitment to create new jobs and invest in the community. Method will also be eligible for training grants to enhance the quality of its workforce, according to the city.