Different Type of Ribbon Cutting for John Boos Wood Production Facility

(ILLINOIS LT. GOV. EVELYN SANGUINETTI)

It wasn't any typical ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the new John Boos wood production facility.

The occasion was marked by the completion of the 13 millionth Boos Block. Performing the finishing touches was Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti. Sanguinetti was called on as a last-minute substitute for Gov. Bruce Rauner, who stayed in Springfield for final action on the Illinois education funding revamp. She left the Farm Progress Show in Decatur to make the journey to Effingham.

Former Boos employees joined the company's current 240 staff members and local dignitaries for the occasion and to take a tour of the new facility. It was a nice touch to see many current workers renewing acquaintances with past co-workers. 

(JOHN BOOS AND CO. PRESIDENT JOE EMMERICH {center} LED A TOUR OF THE NEW PLANT FOR EFFINGHAM MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER AND ST. REPS. DAVID REIS AND JOHN CAVALETTO {backs to the camera})

The wood manufacturing plant's opening comes in the 130th anniversary year of John Boos and Co., which was founded in 1887. Products include Made in USA butcher blocks, stainless steel foodservice worktables and countertops.

Company President Joe Emmerich noted the plant has always been a part of Effingham. Emmerich reminisced that he grew three blocks from the former plant location. Emmerich said now that the plant is completed, full focus can turn to the growth of the company.

Emmerich also noted that Boos products are now being sold in European nations and has even moved into the Chinese market. He said people are often cautious about Chinese goods and about efforts to make and then market cheap imitations of US products. Emmerich said, though, that the Chinese customers are becoming more affluent and the marketers there asked for the "Made in USA" symbol to be placed on the products.

(A LOOK AT A PORTION OF THE MANUFACTURING AREA IN THE NEW WOOD PRODUCTION FACILITY)

The new production facility was funded by John Boos shareholders and the construction was funded by Midland States Bancorp. It spans more than 116,000 square feet, and is part of a 27-acre campus.

The move to the new campus is part of a project to clear the former location of buildings and for John Boos to make the site ready for future development.

Here's Greg Sapp's conversation with John Boos President Joe Emmerich following Tuesday's ribbon cutting ceremony...