ADM May Move Global HQ From Decatur To Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS/AP) -- A spokeswoman says Gov. Pat Quinn has met with Archer Daniels Midland executives over the agribusiness giant's decision to move their headquarters from Decatur.

Chicago officials have said that the company is interested in moving to the city.

Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says the Chicago Democrat met with company officials last week. She says they expressed interest in moving their executive operations to an urban setting to make travel and transportation easier for the global company. Some 4,400 jobs would remain in Decatur.

"Our company is growing and becoming more global and more customer-centric," Patricia Woertz, ADM chairman and chief executive officer, said in a news release. "To continue to succeed, we need a global center in a location that allows us to travel and work efficiently with customers and employees throughout the world. We also need an environment where we can attract and retain employees with diverse skills, and where family members can find ample career opportunities."

Details of the company's decision-making aren't being made public. Anderson says she doesn't know if the company asked for any incentives to stay in the state.

ADM said Monday that a headquarters relocation would involve about 100 jobs. The bulk of the operations would remain in Decatur.

"I am pleased that ADM will consider staying in Illinois as they consider their future options. As was the case with Motorola Mobility, we will work to ensure that this corporate headquarters stays in Illinois," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a written statement.
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