Motorola Announced New Manufacturing Plant

Motorola announced the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Harvard, Illinois, which was a significant investment of $90 million. The facility, covering 1,500,000 square feet on a 400-acre site, was expected to create between 3,000 and 5,000 jobs in the local area. The plant officially opened in November 1996 and quickly became a major employer, with approximately 5,000 individuals working there at its peak. However, the landscape of the telecommunications industry began to change, particularly with the shift towards digital technology and the increasing trend of outsourcing to lower-cost manufacturing locations. As a result, the plant faced significant operational challenges. In early 2001, Motorola laid off 2,500 employees and subsequently halted manufacturing operations. The facility ultimately closed in April 2003, marking the end of an era for local employment and manufacturing in the region.