Industry in Joliet
Joliet’s long history as an industrial powerhouse in the state is second to none. Over 350 manufacturers produce more than 1,800 different products in Joliet; the long list includes such diverse commodities as petroleum products and gaming equipment, steel rods and paper products, tanks and wire, and machinery for road building and packaging. Joliet lies in the Des Plaines River Valley Enterprise Zone, permitting the city to offer full 10-year property tax abatement and other incentives to attract new businesses and industries.
The city thrives on the diversity of its industrial base, from oil refineries to high-tech operations. Prime industries include manufacturing, retail and healthcare; major employers include Caterpillar, Provena-St. Joseph Medical Center, Harrah’s Casino, Empress Casino, Will County Government, Silver Cross Hospital, School District 86 and 204, and ExxonMobil Corporation.
Because of its location, the Joliet region has also become an important Midwest transportation center served by railroad and truck lines. The Illinois Deep Waterway, or Chicago Ship Canal, is used to transport shipments of coal, fuel oil, chemicals, grain, and a variety of manufactured goods.
Redevelopment of existing facilities is helping to keep Joliet at the top of the list for desirable sites. A portion of the former Joliet Arsenal property, turned over by the Department of Defense to various government agencies, is being developed into two light industrial parks ideally situated for tenants who can take advantage of nearby rail lines, highways, and the confluence of three rivers. These industrial parks will benefit the community by providing as many as 10,000 new jobs and millions of dollars in tax and sales revenue.
Riverboat gaming in Joliet is quickly rising in the ranks of major employment sources. Over 3,300 full-time gaming jobs and a combined annual payroll of $100 million are the result of the area’s powerhouse casinos. The community welcomes over 10 million gaming visitors annually; the gaming industry’s tax revenue has funded necessary improvements to both education and infrastructure throughout the Joliet area.
Several major industrial developments help to stabilize the local economy. A broad range of industries have found homes in developments like the Oak Leaf Center industrial park that contains 74 lots on 60 acres, the Rock Run Business Park’s 35 lots on 386 acres, and Southfield Business Park with five lots on 67.5 acres. Caterpillar and ExxonMobil are undergoing facility expansions, resulting in hundreds of additional jobs for Joliet.
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