Epic Medical, headquartered in Singapore, is poised to significantly impact Pekin, Illinois, by investing $25 million in a new medical equipment manufacturing facility. Announced during a well-attended news conference in the Pekin City Council meeting room, the agreement was formalized by Mayor Mary Burress and Epic Medical founder and CEO Freddie Lee. The new facility will be situated at 305 Hanna Drive within the Riverway Business Park, with operations expected to commence by the end of 2026.
Economic and Employment Boost
This development represents a substantial milestone for Pekin, promising to create around 100 jobs and contribute approximately $300,000 annually in property tax revenue. The facility will manufacture components essential for IV operations, such as stands, tubes, and bags. Notably, this will be Epic Medical’s first production site in the United States. With 40% of its business conducted in the U.S., the company undertook a nationwide search for a suitable location, ultimately choosing Pekin over a competing site in Texas in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Pekin City Manager John Dossey underscored the success of securing the site. Economic Development Director Josh Wray highlighted the project’s considerable impact, particularly its potential to address the city’s infrastructure needs without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers. To facilitate this development, the Pekin City Council unanimously approved the sale of 66 acres of land for $500,000, removing the last obstacle to the project’s realization.
Collaborative Efforts and Community Support
CEO Freddie Lee expressed his enthusiasm for the project at the news conference despite the timing challenges due to his Singapore-based location. He emphasized the hospitality and readiness of Pekin to support swift action. Accompanying Lee were Felicia Lee, director of the Epic Medical board, and Abhay Raut, the company’s commercial director. This project was the product of collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including Illinois American Water, Ameren Illinois, and Comcast. Illinois American Water’s role was particularly crucial due to the facility’s requirement for a reliable and high-quality water supply.
The state’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy agreement offered incentives, which helped ease the financial burden on Pekin, eliminating the need for additional local perks. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement underscored the state’s significant financial support for this initiative.
Local Leaders and Company’s Recognition
The news conference saw the presence of several dignitaries and officials, including Tazewell County representatives, Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy McCoy, State Representative Travis Weaver, and State Senator Neil Anderson. These officials presented Lee with various tokens of appreciation, symbolizing the community’s support for the venture. Epic Medical, registered as Epic Pharma Solutions in Illinois, is renowned for its high-quality, FDA-approved medical devices and state-of-the-art facilities. The expeditious and collaborative execution of this project stands as a testament to the company’s reputation for excellence.
Future Outlook
Epic Medical, based in Singapore, is set to make a substantial economic impact on Pekin, Illinois, with an impressive investment of $25 million in a new medical equipment manufacturing plant. The news was unveiled at a well-attended press conference held in the Pekin City Council meeting room. Pekin’s Mayor, Mary Burress, alongside Epic Medical’s founder and CEO, Freddie Lee, formalized the significant agreement. The new state-of-the-art facility will be located at 305 Hanna Drive, within the Riverway Business Park. This development marks a notable milestone for both the company and the city. Operations are slated to begin by the end of 2026, bringing excitement and anticipation to the local community as it promises job creation and economic growth. The strategic placement in an established business park highlights Epic Medical’s commitment to innovation and expansion, while reinforcing Pekin’s position as a growing hub for medical manufacturing.
