Illinois EDC Helps Storied Manufacturer Grow
Ability Engineering Technology Inc. (AET) is establishing a presence at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) while expanding its existing 35,000-square-foot facility in South Holland—a move that further connects Illinois’ manufacturing base with its rapidly growing quantum ecosystem.
Calling Illinois home since 1947, AET designs and fabricates custom cryogenic and vacuum equipment for customers across energy, aerospace, industrial gases, and scientific research. As a tenant of the FaQtory—an IQMP-based building that will house quantum equipment and component manufacturers as part of The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub—AET will focus on rapid prototyping, small-scale fabrication, equipment modification, and workforce training to support other tenants and affiliated research institutions. The Bloch, a Chicago Quantum Exchange-led coalition that is transitioning the U.S. quantum sector to at-scale manufacturing, received $30 million in funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration Tech Hubs competition this week.
When complete, its expanded South Holland manufacturing facility will feature new machinery, upgraded crane and material-handling systems, and structural and workflow improvements.
“For nearly 80 years, Ability Engineering Technology has built a global reputation for precision manufacturing and engineering excellence in South Holland,” said Ability Engineering Technology President Eugene Botsoe. “This expansion builds on that legacy while advancing Illinois’ ambition to lead in quantum technology. Investments in our South Holland facility will enhance our ability to deliver the highest levels of quality and capability, while our presence at the IQMP FaQtory places us at the center of Illinois’ growing quantum ecosystem, where we can collaborate with leading researchers and innovators. We are grateful to Governor Pritzker and DCEO for their partnership in supporting this investment.”
“Illinois EDC was proud to have supported AET’s growth and entry into the IQMP,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “AET’s expansion strengthens the domestic supply chain essential for a thriving quantum ecosystem and shows how Illinois is connecting its long tradition of manufacturing excellence with tomorrow’s technologies.”
The announcement comes as Illinois welcomed global leaders to Chicago this week for the second annual Global Quantum Forum, which brought together experts from government, industry, and academia to advance collaboration in the quantum industry. Illinois’ growing innovation ecosystem, including AET’s investment at the IQMP, highlights the state’s role as a leading destination for quantum research, commercialization, and manufacturing.
Read the full release, published by Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, here.
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