DECATUR, IL—They're not giving out any details just yet, but officials from the Archer Daniels Midland Company said yesterday afternoon that the company was exploring the idea of moving about 100 of their top employees to a new global headquarters.
“Our company is growing and becoming more global and more customer-centric,” said Patricia Woertz, ADM chairman and chief executive officer. “To continue to succeed, we need a global center in a location that allows us to travel and work efficiently with customers and employees throughout the world. We also need an environment where we can attract and retain employees with diverse skills, and where family members can find ample career opportunities.”
Company officials do not expect to discuss the details publicly, but did confirm that they have begun discussions with various public officials.
And Chicago looks like a strong contender.
“I am pleased that ADM will consider staying in Illinois as they consider their future options,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. “As was the case with Motorola Mobility, we will work to ensure that this corporate headquarters stays in Illinois.”
In a move that could strengthen Chicago's bid for the new ADM headquarters, the company also plans to create an IT tech center with about 100 new positions in addition to the global center with its 100 relocated employees. Chicago has recently begun to attract technology firms, such as Motorola Mobility and AT&T, to the CBD due to the city's thousands of young, tech-savvy workers who want to work downtown.
The company does not plan any layoffs in connection with the move and will designate the Decatur office as its North American headquarters.
“As we look to establish the new global center, we remain firmly committed to the 4,400 colleagues who will continue to work in Decatur, and to the economic strength and viability of the Decatur community,” Woertz said.
“This is an exciting time for our company. We are preparing for a large North American harvest and the completion of our acquisition of GrainCorp. We look ahead to a strong 2014, as we position our company for continued success.”
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Brian J. Rogal
Brian J. Rogal is a Chicago-based freelance writer with years of experience as an investigative reporter and editor, most notably at The Chicago Reporter, where he concentrated on housing issues. He also has written extensively on alternative energy and the payments card industry for national trade publications.
