GILMAN, IL – State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) joined state and local officials to cut the ribbon at Incobrasa Industries’ new soybean processing plant and solar array in Gilman, Illinois – a rural farming city about 90 miles south of Chicago and 13 miles west of Watseka.
“Illinois is the number one soybean producer in the United States,” said Rep. Charlie Meier, Republican Spokesperson on the House Agriculture & Conservation Committee. “This expansion will help solidify our domestic markets and create jobs for rural Illinois. I was proud to champion Illinois’ biodiesel sales tax incentive and pass Illinois’ B20 incentive, which helped make this expansion possible.”
Only three countries in the world produce more soybeans than the state of Illinois – China, Argentina, and Brazil. Once Incobrasa’s expansion is fully implemented, they will be able to crush almost 100 million bushels of soybeans per year, totaling roughly 1.5 million acres of Illinois soybeans. About 1 out of every 6 rows of Illinois soybeans will be crushed at Incobrasa, producing animal feed, vegetable oil, and clean burring soy biodiesel.
This project was bolstered by the State’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with Incobrasa Industries. So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 new jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments.
“Rep. Meier is bringing back positive economic impacts to rural ag communities,” said Bryan Severs, Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association. “Meier’s support for biodiesel is now responsible for over 10% the value of each bushel of soy. Rep. Meier continues to be a champion for Illinois farmers, and as a farmer like me, his perspective is invaluable.”
State Representative Charlie Meier represents the 109th District which includes portions of Bond, Clinton, Madison, St. Clair, and Washington counties. For more information, please visit CharlieMeier.net or contact Rep. Meier’s district office at 618-651-0405.
