In 2025, Lake County celebrated its strongest economic performance on record, fueled by robust capital investment, new and retained jobs and steady growth across key sectors. Business expansion accelerated, and the labor market strengthened — creating a benchmark by which all future growth will be measured. The success was so pronounced that Site Selection Magazine named Lake County, Illinois one of the top 10 counties in the U.S. for economic development, putting Lake County among the upper echelon of the 3,154 counties evaluated nationwide.
As a direct result of our work, we helped fuel $633 million in new capital investment and 1,862 new jobs, and retain 1,333 existing jobs in Lake County in 2025. We are especially proud to announce that, over the last 5 years, we have also powered $1.83 BILLION in direct investment.
The success is evidence of LCP’s laser focus on outreach strategies that drive results. In recent years, we have fine-tuned our communications to generate leads and nurture new relationships; in turn, we leveraged local resources to help businesses grow and tap into the talent and quality of life for which Lake County is known. Our review of the year makes it clear that our strategic efforts to retain and attract business, promote Lake County, and advance initiatives to sustain our exceptional talent and quality of life are having a ripple effect across the entire community. We’re rounding up the year’s biggest highlights below, and for a deeper dive on 2025, check out our year-in-review.
A Snapshot of the Big Business Wins of 2025
Fortune Brands Innovations Opens New HQ In Deerfield
After a nationwide search, Fortune Brands Innovations consolidated into a single global headquarters in Deerfield, attributing the move to Lake County’s exceptional workforce, dynamic business ecosystem, and culture of innovation. The expansion establishes a world-class, collaborative environment with more than 358,000 sq. ft. of Class A office space, with capacity for over 1,000 associates by the end of 2027. This fall, the company celebrated being 2 years ahead of its hiring goal. LCP proudly presented the company with the 2025 Community Investment Award at the Big Event.
Belle Aire Creations Expands with Porter East
Belle Aire Creations celebrated its new 27,400 sq. ft. “Porter East” facility in Round Lake Park with a groundbreaking. The space will enhance operational excellence and fuel the company’s continued growth in Lake County.
Located adjacent to the company’s existing operations and manufacturing facility—and near its corporate headquarters and Creative Center of Excellence in Libertyville—the $5.5 million investment underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and local job creation.
AbbVie Pledges $192M in North Chicago
AbbVie began construction on its new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing plant in North Chicago, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing effort to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation and strengthen U.S. manufacturing capabilities.
The $192 million capital investment underscores AbbVie’s deep commitment to Lake County, where the company will expand employment as part of this new manufacturing capacity.
Flex Expands with $115 Million Investment in Libertyville
Flex is expanding its presence in Lake County with the development of a new auto-injector device production line with a new 335,000 sq. ft. facility in Libertyville. The company is investing $115 million in construction buildout, new equipment, and lease commitments to support this strategic growth.
The expansion will initially create 200 new jobs, with the potential to grow to 400 positions as business demand increases. These new roles will complement the more than 1,000 employees already working at Flex’s Buffalo Grove facility, further strengthening the company’s regional footprint and its contribution to Lake County’s advanced manufacturing and medical device ecosystem.
Plano Pharmaceuticals Selects Lake County for HQ
Plano Pharmaceuticals has announced it will establish its U.S. headquarters along with manufacturing and distribution operations in Lake County. The company specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of generic, sterile injectable therapeutics, primarily for the North American market.
Following FDA certification, Plano Pharmaceuticals will open for production its 80,000 sq. ft., $60 million facility in the City of Zion. The new facility is expected to create 300 jobs, strengthening Lake County’s growing life sciences ecosystem and reinforcing the region as a hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Fox Lake Welcomes “The Quarry”
The Village of Fox Lake announced a new housing development known as The Quarry — a stunning 154-unit market-rate apartment community at Route 12 & Big Hollow Road. With the first units to be available in Fall of 2026, The Quarry is a transformative development offering 1- and 2-bedroom townhome-style apartments with abundant amenities and community space.
This $41 million dollar investment in Fox Lake is designed for Lake County’s “missing middle” housing demand. The Quarry brings attainable, high-quality housing to the heart of the Chain O’ Lakes region and supports Fox Lake’s long-term vision for a vibrant, inclusive community while contributing to continued economic and residential growth.
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The good news doesn’t end here. Keep an eye on our social media, blog and news to learn more about growing your business in Lake County, Illinois. We have over 25 years of experience driving economic growth and the resources needed to take your company to the next level. Connect with us to tap into our free services here.