A long-discussed industrial project in central Illinois is finally moving closer to reality. Governor JB Pritzker announced in late August that Cronus Chemicals will move forward with a $2 billion ammonia production facility near Tuscola, Illinois, after the state renewed a tax incentive agreement with the company.
The plant has been in planning stages for more than a decade, first proposed in 2012, and is now positioned to become one of the largest agricultural infrastructure investments in the state’s history.
“Illinois is building the infrastructure to power an entirely new bioeconomy by attracting major industry players to innovate right here in our state,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Cronus Chemicals is a shining example of that vision. Their new $2 billion, state-of-the-art facility in Tuscola will create more than 130 full-time jobs, serve as an anchor for the agricultural industry of tomorrow, and spur investment that will extend out across not just agriculture, but the entire Illinois economy.”
When completed, the Cronus facility will have the capacity to produce 950,000 short tons of ammonia annually, serving as a major supply source for U.S. farmers. Ammonia is a key input for fertilizers that sustain corn, soybean, and other commodity crop yields—making the plant an important addition to Illinois’ already strong agricultural economy.
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The project is expected to support not only full-time jobs but also hundreds of construction jobs during the multi-year build-out, bringing additional economic activity to Douglas County and surrounding rural communities.
The announcement has been met with optimism, but also cautious realism, given the project’s long history of delays.
“IFCA excited about this announcement but also knows that this project has been talked about ever since 2012. If more details are released in the coming days we will pass it along to our membership,” said the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association in a statement.
Industry leaders note that a domestic ammonia plant of this scale could reduce reliance on imports and stabilize supply chains, which have faced disruptions and price volatility in recent years.
Originally announced more than 10 years ago, the Cronus project faced a series of challenges, including shifting commodity markets, high construction costs, and global fertilizer price swings. The renewed commitment signals a major step forward, fueled in part by supportive state policies and the broader demand for U.S.-based fertilizer production.
For Illinois, the plant represents more than just an industrial facility—it stands as a symbol of the state’s push to expand its bioeconomy, attract manufacturing investment, and reinforce its leadership in agriculture and food production.
With construction expected to begin soon, Cronus Chemicals’ Tuscola plant will be closely watched by farmers, suppliers, and economic development leaders alike as a turning point in Illinois’ agri-industrial growth strategy.
Originally reported by Margy Eckelkamp in The Daily Scoop.
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