PRINCETON, Ill. – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker can take credit for a firm looking to base some options in Illinois, at a time when other companies claim to be leaving the state.
Pritzker’s office says Ollie’s Discount Warehouse — which just opened up a a store in Peoria — has committed to building a $68 million distribution center in the Bureau County community of Princeton.
Princeton already has distribution centers for both Ace Hardware and Walmart.
Pritzker says in a news release that he’s “excited” to have the Midwest’s first distribution center.
“Illinois’ top-notch location and infrastructure are well-suited to support the needs of a fast-expanding company like Ollie’s and their decision to locate here further solidifies the state as a first-class destination to do business,” said Pritzker, in a news release.
It’s taking advantage of a state tax credit, and will create 148 jobs over the next three years.
“Illinois is one of Ollie’s fastest growing states with ten stores and counting to open in the upcoming months,” said Eric van der Valk, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Ollie’s, also in a news release. “Its central location to our other markets in the Midwest region and the strong workforce made Illinois the perfect spot for breaking ground to bring customers more bargains.”
