In February 2017 Illinois surpassed its previous jobs peak from September 2000. However, long-term problems could potentially hamstring further jobs growth if left unaddressed.

While the gummy bear maker’s American headquarters is located in Rosemont, Haribo has opted to build right over the border in Kenosha County, Wisc.

Illinois continues to have the worst jobs growth in the region, and tax hikes will only make matters worse.

With Peoria and downstate reeling, the Caterpillar move comes at a time of persistent disinvestment in Illinois manufacturing.

Illinois lost 11,000 manufacturing jobs in 2016.

New Illinois jobs data reveal a state with thousands of job losses, unemployment rising to 5.7 percent, a collapsing manufacturing sector, and several downstate communities sliding back into recession — all of which make the Illinois Senate’s new tax hike proposal especially harmful.

Nippon Sharyo points to prototype difficulties and unspecified business concerns as the main reasons behind the layoffs.

The company plans on moving its white-collar workforce to Naperville, while keeping its manufacturing plant in Michigan.