http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-998372.mp3
GALESBURG, IL – ADM will re-open the former soybean processing facility Galesburg as a grain elevator in July. The two sides have been in negotiations since the August announcement that ADM would close the facility.
Mayor Sal Garza said the company changed its mind after doing a thorough study of the site. He hopes the company will expand its operations at the site.
He said, "We're looking at ADM for the conversion of this facility into a grain elevator but we're also going to be investigating and pursuing other opportunities with the ADM corporation."
Garza said the city would have lost not only the jobs but also revenue from property taxes and from city services like water and sewer use.
He said the facility will employ five people at first. ADM will give former workers the first chance to apply for those jobs.
Garza said it's unusual for a large corporation to reverse its decision on the permanent closure of a facility. He calls the retention of the facility a "huge win" for Galesburg.
He said ADM considered demolishing the facility.