Cronus Chemicals will invest $2 billion in Tuscola fertilizer plant, creating jobs, boosting agriculture, and integrating carbon capture sustainability technology.
Cronus Chemicals has announced a major investment of $2 billion to establish a new state-of-the-art fertilizer manufacturing facility in Tuscola, Illinois. The development was formally revealed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), marking one of the most significant industrial projects in the state’s recent history.
Governor JB Pritzker welcomed the announcement, emphasizing Illinois’ growing role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and the bioeconomy. “Illinois is building the infrastructure to power an entirely new bioeconomy by attracting major industry players to innovate right here in our state,” he stated. Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Pritzker added, “Cronus Chemicals is a shining example of that vision. Their $2 billion, world-class facility in Tuscola will generate more than 130 permanent full-time jobs, strengthen the agricultural foundation of tomorrow, and stimulate investment that benefits not only the farming sector but also the broader Illinois economy.”
Melih Keyman, Chairman of the Board at Cronus Chemicals, expressed gratitude and optimism for the project’s progress. “We are delighted to reach this new milestone in the development of the Cronus Ammonia Plant Project. Our state-of-the-art facility in Tuscola represents a significant leap forward for agriculture in Illinois and beyond. We sincerely thank Governor Pritzker and Team Illinois for their ongoing support and commitment to this project,” he remarked.
The demand for ammonia in the United States has been steadily rising, consistently outpacing current supply levels. Illinois, being the largest consumer of ammonia in the nation, stands to gain significantly from the facility. Once operational, the Tuscola plant will produce approximately 950,000 short tons of ammonia per year, positioning Cronus Chemicals as a vital contributor to both domestic and international fertilizer markets.
Importantly, the facility will incorporate advanced environmental measures. Its operations will feature carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology designed to capture and store up to 90% of carbon dioxide emissions. This approach will substantially minimize environmental impact by preventing CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, aligning the project with global sustainability goals. Additionally, the plant’s output will supply farmers across the Midwest with locally produced fertilizers, reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a more stable agricultural supply chain.
The announcement comes in tandem with the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois—one of the nation’s leading agricultural exhibitions. The event serves as a hub for agricultural and manufacturing leaders nationwide to showcase innovation and discuss the future of farming in rural America. By unveiling this project during such a prominent gathering, Cronus Chemicals underlines its role in driving both economic growth and technological advancement in the agricultural sector.
