Manufacturing In Northern Illinois Gets A Boost

The top Republican in the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL-16), sends thanks to Frank Mochuzuki, President of Nippon Shayo U.S.A. for investing in Rochelle.

The company recently announced its plans to locate its new $35-40 million passenger railcar plant in Rochelle and bring up to 300 new jobs to northern Illinois

Congressman Manzullo says, "Companies like Nippon Shayo are exactly what he envisioned when he worked with State Sen. Brad Burzynski (R-Rochelle) and city officials to help convince Union Pacific in 2002 to open a new $180 million intermodal Hub in Rochelle. That unique rail infrastructure is a major attraction for new industries and a perfect fit for Nippon Sharyo, says Manzullo.

Manzullo, top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, arranged for Mr. Mochizuki to spend an evening with Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Ichiro Fujisaki when the Ambassador visited Rockford this past April. Manzullo also arranged for Mr. Mochizuki to meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood during a visit to Rockford last November.

“I am excited about what Nippon Sharyo means for our regional manufacturing community. Not only will hundreds of direct manufacturing jobs be created, but many local companies will be suppliers to this new manufacturing operation, and that will spawn even more good paying jobs,” Manzullo said. “I consider Frank Mochizuki a friend, and I want to thank Frank for his faith in our area workforce, and his commitment to this region. Today’s announcement is the result of a lot of people working together at the local, state and federal level for more than a year. And the people of northern Illinois are the big winners.”

Manzullo said companies like Nippon Sharyo are exactly what he envisioned when he worked with State Sen. Brad Burzynski (R-Rochelle) and city officials to help convince Union Pacific in 2002 to open a new $180 million Intermodal Hub in Rochelle. The unique rail infrastructure in Rochelle is a major attraction for new industries and a perfect fit for Nippon Sharyo, Manzullo said.

“There is absolutely no better place than Rochelle for a company like Nippon Sharyo to locate in the United States,” Manzullo added.