PEORIA, Ill. – The presence of Maui Jim in Peoria is expanding.
The Peoria City Council this week approved an agreement with Maui Jim parent Kering Eyewear that will result in a new $80 million facility near the current Allen Road facility, and close to the Allen Road Walmart.
The move would continue to make Peoria the U.S. headquarters of Maui Jim.
“Maui Jim and Kering Eyewear desire to expand their United States presence by constructing, owning, and operating an additional Peoria manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution and office facility, to be developed and to accommodate Kering Eyewear’s and Maui Jim’s growth in their businesses in North America,” said Patrick Urich, City Manager.
Most of the $80 million will be spent on buildings, and is the first project in a Tax Increment Financing District in the area.
“We are very positive about the potential growth of this company, the international expansion of Maui Jim – not only continuing the success in the U.S. market, but also the international markets, Europe and Asia-Pacific,” said Roberto Vedovotto, Kering Eyewear CEO.
More employees are expected to be hired, and work on the new facility is expected to take two years.
