Wilson Sportings Goods Plans To Move Downtown In 2017

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday that Wilson Sporting Goods plans to relocate its global headquarters downtown late next year.

Wilson Sporting Goods plans to move into Prudential Plaza, 130 E. Randolph St. by December 2017. The company signed a 12-year lease of the fifth and sixth floors.

"This move downtown is strategically important for us as we cultivate our people, brand and business for the next century," said Mike Dowse, President of Wilson in a statement. "For our team members, this relocation supports their professional growth by providing them with an exciting new work environment and greater access to all the creative inspiration, energy and resources of a vibrant downtown community. For our brand and business, it heightens the visibility of Wilson in the heart of the best sports city in the world, and the only city we have ever called home."

Wilson Sporting Goods' move will bring approximately 400 employees from the company's commercial, marketing, product management, and business services units downtown from the company's current office.

"Wilson Sporting Goods represents a great chapter in Chicago's history, and today they are doubling down on our city and our shared future," said Mayor Emanuel in a statment. "Chicago offers the unparalleled workforce, world-class transportation systems and access to the global economy Wilson needs to continue to grow and thrive for another 100 years."

Wilson is a leading global manufacturer of high performance sports equipment, apparel and accessories. The company has been Chicago-based for its 102-year entirety.

Wilson Sporting Goods headquarters is currently located near O'Hare International Airport. The move is said to help them continue to grow and thrive for the next 100 years.

Wilson is the latest company to move to downtown Chicago from the suburbs, following businesses like McDonald's, Motorola Solutions, Kraft Heinz, Hillshire Brands and ConAgra.