Archer Daniels Midland has selected Chicago as the new home for its global headquarters.
The company made the announcement Wednesday, saying Chicago is the best location to provide access to global markets while maintaining connections to farmers and customers in the Midwest. ADM spokesman Victoria Podesta said on the Byers & Co. radio show in Decatur that it was time to make a decision.
"We're a global business. We're competing every day with other global businesses. We have to advance the business objectives that are right for our company. Of course we want to do that responsibly, but that starts with creating value for our shareholders, doing what's right for our employees and also doing what we can that's right for our communities."
The move will involve 50 to 75 employees and does not include any tax incentives. An exact location for the new headquarters will be selected by mid-January, Podesta said, and the move will be made during the summer of 2014.
A technology center with 100 new jobs was discussed as part of this relocation decision, but that's not part of the decision announced today. Podesta said that facility is up for grabs and could be located anywhere. Tax breaks might be part of that discussion.
