Gov. Pritzker Announces Expansion of Cheese Manufacturer Savencia

LENA — Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Savencia Cheese USA (Savencia) will expand its existing production facility in Lena, transferring production know-how from France to Illinois. The company plans to add a new production line as part of its capital investment, which will create 50 new full-time jobs while retaining 125 existing jobs.

“For decades, Savencia Cheese has been producing and perfecting its globally renowned cheeses in Lena. While Savencia is known around the globe for its world-class products, it is known here as a community fixture — and a long-time engine of jobs and economic opportunity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through competitive incentive programs, workforce development, and our state’s robust business development efforts, Illinois supports job creators that invest back into their communities.”

Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker continues to build the foundation for long-term success by focusing on key growth industries, including next-generation agriculture, ag tech, and food processing. With a top workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and a leading food production powerhouse globally, Illinois continues to be a key destination for companies looking to expand or locate. As an international food production and distribution company, Savencia’s investment further strengthens Illinois’ position in this sector. Savencia’s investment was supported by the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program.

“Through strategic initiatives like the EDGE program, DCEO is creating and expanding domestic and international relationships that foster new economic development and job opportunities,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Illinois remains committed to fostering long-term economic growth by supporting the industries that keep our state competitive on a global scale.”

“With the support of the State of Illinois, we are pleased to continue our investments in our Kolb-Lena facility to locally produce the best natural cheeses for US consumers,” said Laurent Marembaud, Secretary General of Groupe Savencia.

Savencia Cheese USA, a subsidiary of the French company Savencia SA, acquired its Kolb-Lena facility in 1987. Savencia specializes in the production and distribution of high-quality specialty cheeses across the United States, offering a diverse range of cheese products that serve both gourmet and everyday consumers.

Savencia’s critical investment follows in the footsteps of other job creators investing in Illinois with support from the EDGE program. In 2025, companies in the program committed more than $2.6 billion in investments in communities across Illinois, creating new jobs for the state’s talented workforce and helping local economies thrive.

“Savencia’s continued investment in its Lena facility is great news for our region and the families who depend on these good-paying jobs,” said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna). “This expansion highlights the strength of our local workforce and the importance of supporting employers who choose to grow in Northwest Illinois.”

“On behalf of the Stephenson County Board, as well as the Stephenson County Enterprise Zone Board, we are proud to partner with and support the investment Savencia has chosen to continue to put into Northwest Illinois,” said Scott Helms, Chair of the Stephenson County Board. “We stand shoulder to shoulder in working to create solid economic conditions resulting in good paying jobs — benefiting the hard-working families of Stephenson County.”

“Savencia is reinforcing Illinois’ leadership in modern food manufacturing while creating and retaining quality jobs in a community that has long played a critical role in the state’s agricultural economy,” said Christy George, President and CEO of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC). “This expansion highlights Illinois' international renown as a business destination and food processing hub.”

A link to the full agreement with Savencia is available here.

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