Governor Pritzker Announces Ability Engineering Technology’s Expansion In Illinois

Advanced manufacturer to modernize South Holland operations and establish new offices at the IQMP in South Chicago

Submitted by the Governor JB Pritzker Campaign

Jul 27, 2026 9:10 AM

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced today that Ability Engineering Technology, Inc. (AET) will expand and modernize its Illinois operations through a two-location investment, in South Holland and in Chicago at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), strengthening the state's manufacturing supply chain and supporting its growing quantum ecosystem.

“I’m proud that Ability Engineering Technology is choosing to deepen its commitment to our state and become the next major tenant at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park – helping grow our economy and solidify our quantum leadership,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Their world-renowned precision manufacturing and engineering operations will be integral in unlocking our quantum future and the transformational growth and world-changing advancements that come with it.”

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“Ability Engineering Technology's expansion in South Holland and at IQMP demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and economic growth,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "Cook County is proud to support investments that strengthen our regional economy, create job opportunities for residents, and reinforce Illinois' position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.”

AET is the second announced tenant of the IQMP FaQtory, a building to house suppliers that are manufacturing equipment and components for companies at the Park. FaQtory is being partially funded by the federal government through its Tech Hubs competition and partially funded by State quantum funds. The State previously announced a Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity Act (MICRO) agreement for Zero Point Cryogenics, who will also be a tenant at the IQMP FaQtory.

“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.”

Headquartered in South Holland since 1947, AET is an advanced manufacturing and engineering firm that designs and manufactures engineered-to-order process equipment for cryogenic, vacuum, and other industrial applications. As part of the project, AET will establish a satellite office at the IQMP in Chicago. The new location will focus on rapid prototyping, small-scale fabrication, equipment modification, and workforce training to support IQMP tenants and affiliated research institutions. AET’s expansion will support Illinois' end-to-end quantum ecosystem, creating new opportunities for manufacturers, researchers, workers, and communities across the state.

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"Illinois is building the nation's leading quantum ecosystem by connecting world-class research with the manufacturers and suppliers that will bring these technologies to market,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “With support from the EDGE program, Ability Engineering Technology's expansion demonstrates the momentum we are creating at the IQMP, where we are strengthening a robust supplier network that will support quantum companies while creating new opportunities for Illinois manufacturers, workers, and communities.”

The company will also modernize its existing 35,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in South Holland through a comprehensive upgrade that includes structural improvements, new machinery and equipment, enhanced crane and material handling systems, and workflow improvements. The modernization of AET's longstanding South Holland manufacturing facility alongside the establishment of a new satellite operation at IQMP, will further connect Illinois' manufacturing base with its rapidly growing quantum ecosystem.

“This is exactly why we’re designing the IQMP to include space for suppliers on campus – so they can work alongside the customers and partners they serve, advancing the development and commercialization of quantum in a collaborative space,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “AET has been part of Illinois’ broader ecosystem for nearly a century, creating essential equipment for industrial applications. We’re thrilled to play a role in this next chapter of their business as they locate a satellite office at the Park.”

With support from the State’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, AET has committed to investing at least $1.8 million, creating at least five new full-time jobs, and retaining 23 positions. A link to the full agreement can be found here. So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in investments. The agreement builds on DCEO's longstanding support of AET, which has included export assistance for more than a decade to help the company reach international customers and strengthen its Illinois operations.

"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 welcomes global leaders to Chicago for the second annual Global Quantum Forum, which brings 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.

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