The Governor is Providing Nearly $1.8 Million in Opportunity Returns Support to Help Carlisle SynTec Improve and Expand Operations

CHICAGO - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today praised the grand opening of Carlisle SynTec Incorporated’s new distribution warehouse and upgraded manufacturing facility in Greenville.  Gov. Blagojevich is providing the company, a leading single-ply roofing systems manufacturer, a nearly $1.8 million business investment package to help the company complete the expansion that will keep nearly 240 jobs in Illinois.  

“By investing in companies that are investing in Illinois and by holding the line on sales and incomes taxes, we are creating a business climate where companies like Carlisle SynTec can easily grow and create better jobs for more people.  Providing this support will ensure that an important local business has the facilities it needs to stay competitive and continue providing an essential service to the greater community in Bond County,” Gov. Blagojevich said.

Carlisle SynTec Incorporated is increasing its capacity to manufacture EPDM sheeting, mixed rubber stocks and accessories in its Greenville plant.  The company has invested in equipment, technology and material that will enable the plant to meet the increased demand, and the new 294,000 square foot distribution warehouse will expand the capacity and efficiency of its operations. 

"We appreciate Gov. Blagojevich's commitment and support for this important project.  This renovation and expansion will allow us to maintain a competitive edge in the industry and ensure we can continue providing the quality and service our customers have come to expect from Carlisle SynTec," said Carlisle SynTec Vice President of Manufacturing Tom Timmermann.
 
 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering the business investment package.  It includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits over the next ten years based on job retention; a Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grant to the city of Greenville on behalf of Carlisle SynTec; Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce; as well as additional financial benefits, such as sales tax exemptions and tax credits for job creation, resulting from the company’s location within an Enterprise Zone.

The city of Greenville used the CDAP grant to extend and upgrade Peterson Industrial Drive to facilitate the construction of Carlisle SynTec’s new warehouse on an adjacent 2.6-acre tract.  

“Gov. Blagojevich and I believe that the best way to help businesses meet their constantly changing needs, and stay productive and profitable in the marketplace, is to provide hands-on support.  Investments like these are essential to creating an attractive business environment that helps companies like Carlisle SynTec thrive and create more and better jobs,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.

Carlisle SynTec Incorporated, headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, has been manufacturing single-ply membrane roofing systems for more than 40 years.  To date, over 10 billion square feet of Carlisle roofing membrane has been produced.  Carlisle is a business segment of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE: CSL) and has manufacturing facilities in Carlisle, Greenville, IL Senatobia, MS, and Tooele, Utah. 

Gov. Blagojevich recently announced that Illinois added more new jobs than any other state in July.  In July, Illinois led the nation in monthly job growth by creating 31,100 new jobs.  This is the second time this year Illinois has created more new jobs than any other state, which has never happened before in recorded history.  Illinois also led the nation in job growth in April.  The total number of new jobs created this year is 76,400, which is the best start to a year since 1998, best in the Midwest and fifth in the nation.  Since January 2004, Illinois has gained more than 151,000 new jobs, which is also best in the Midwest. 

The Illinois unemployment rate has dropped from 6.7 percent in January 2003 to 4.4 percent today, which is its lowest level since October 2000.  It has remained at or below the national rate for five consecutive months, which is the first time this has happened in seven years.  The state has dropped below the national unemployment rate for the third time this year, which is the first time this has occurred in eight years.  The unemployment rate in Bond County has dropped from 7.8 percent in January 2003 to 4.3 percent for September 2006.  The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security compiled these statistics. 
 
Site Selection Magazine also ranked Illinois third in the nation for attracting new and expanded corporate facilities in 2005, and Business Facilities Magazine named Illinois the top state for biotech growth last year.