Ability Engineering Technology (AET) plans to expand and modernize its manufacturing operations in South Holland, Illinois, and establish a satellite office at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago. The company, which designs and manufactures engineered-to-order process equipment for cryogenic, vacuum, and other industrial applications, has committed to investing at least $1.8 million in the project and creating at least five new full-time jobs while retaining 23 positions.

The project includes modernization of AET's existing 35,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in South Holland. The upgrades will include structural improvements, new machinery and equipment, enhanced crane and material-handling systems, and workflow improvements.

The company also will establish a satellite office at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. The office will focus on rapid prototyping, small-scale fabrication, equipment modification, and workforce training to support tenants at the park and affiliated research institutions.

AET is the second announced tenant of the IQMP FaQtory, a building designed to house suppliers manufacturing equipment and components for companies at the park. The FaQtory is partially funded by the federal government through the CQE-led Block Quantum Tech Hubs competition and partially funded by state quantum funds.

With support from Illinois' Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, AET has committed to the $1.8 million investment and creation of at least five new full-time jobs. The agreement also builds on support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which has provided export assistance to AET for more than a decade.

Connecting manufacturing operations to quantum technology

In a recent quote, Eugene Botsoe, president, Ability Engineering Technology, said, “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.”

JB Pritzker, governor of Illinois, added, “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. 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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