Wieland Metal Services

Moran Economic Development (MED) played a critical role in securing the expansion and modernization of Wieland Metal Services at their East Alton facility, working in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Madison County, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office, and other state and local leaders. Wieland’s existing facility had been in operation for over 100 years and required significant upgrades to remain a viable site for future product development. As part of a national site selection search, the company had considered constructing a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility elsewhere, which would have led to the closure of the East Alton location.

Recognizing the economic impact of retaining Wieland Metal Services in East Alton, state and local officials worked together to propose an alternative—an extensive redevelopment and expansion of the existing site. The plan included modernizing the facility, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding operations to accommodate the company’s long-term growth. A key aspect of the retention strategy involved creating an incentive package that would make the redevelopment of the current site competitive with other national incentive programs.

Ultimately, the State of Illinois expanded the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV) program to support the project. MED’s involvement was instrumental in preparing a financial impact analysis and coordinating the local incentives necessary for the program’s success. Over several months, MED worked to secure property tax abatement resolutions from all affected taxing bodies, paving the way for the REV program to offer a 30-year tax abatement. This critical support ensured Wieland Metal Services’ $500 million investment in the East Alton facility, securing jobs, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the local manufacturing sector for years to come. The project serves as a prime example of how strategic partnerships and economic incentives can drive business retention and regional development.