$260-million is expected to be added to the regional economy due to recent plants announced by Caterpillar.
Officials from Big Yellow announced capital improvements at plants in East Peoria and Decatur would total $640-million and create about 300 jobs. Economic Development Council Director Vickie Clark says the move creates another 162 jobs due to the dollars from the additional jobs being spent in Central Illinois.
Clark says this investment also sends a sign to other businesses looking for a place to call home. She says it is significant for other companies to see a corporation like Caterpillar is investing in this area.
The EDC used a software program to come up with the job creation data. The input also included Caterpillar's $200-million modernization project at another East Peoria plant.
