Facility creates manufacturing jobs in Chicago

Posted on May 6, 2015

The opening of a new facility is creating manufacturing jobs in Chicago.

Method Products, PBC executives will open the company’s flagship manufacturing facility in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s south side.

The facility will provide nearly 100 green manufacturing jobs for local residents by the end of 2015, and will provide public access to green space on its 22-acre site.

Designed by Chicago-based William McDonough + Partners, the $30 million “Soapbox” is the first LEED-platinum certified factory in its industry.

The 150,000 square foot facility includes product manufacturing, bottle production, warehousing and distribution. Half of the facility’s annual electrical needs are produced by an on-site refurbished wind turbine and solar energy trees. Renewable energy credit purchase provides the balance for the facility to operate on 100 percent renewable energy in its first two years.

Additional energy conservation features include a 1,520 square foot succulent green roof covering the entry walkway; light-reflecting concrete and rooftop; warehouse and distribution center skylights; and a 120 gallon solar powered water heating system.

“The past and future of manufacturing will converge in Pullman with the opening of Method’s state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility. Now, visitors to the Pullman National Monument can learn about the birth of America’s first industrial town and, in the same neighborhood, find an exciting model for the future of manufacturing. We welcome this newest, forward-thinking manufacturer to the community. It will not only serve as a fitting complement to the neighborhood, it will provide hundreds of jobs,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

“With Pullman’s rich labor history, it’s fitting that the neighborhood is now home to a new, world-class manufacturing plant. The state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facility will provide nearly 100 good-paying jobs to locals,” U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. “The fact that a fast-growing company like Method chose to build its first U.S. facility in Chicago is a testament to Mayor Emanuel and our highly-skilled manufacturing workforce. It’s a win for Chicago’s South Side, Illinois manufacturing, and sustainable business.”