Less than an hour’s drive from Chicago, the Village of Huntley, Illinois, is attracting new businesses at a steady pace. Why? Huntley offers a high quality of life and is still affordable. It also boasts a local government that is friendly to and encourages new development.
We recently spoke with Melissa Stocker, development manager with the Village of Huntley, about why this community of nearly 30,000 has become such a strong draw for new businesses.
Here is some of what she had to say.
Why should companies consider Huntley when they are deciding on new headquarters or satellite office locations?
Melissa Stocker: Huntley’s location is one of its strongest assets. With a full-access interchange at Interstate-90 and Illinois Route 47, companies gain immediate access to the Chicago region, O’Hare International Airport, Rockford and major national freight routes. This allows firms to maintain a strong regional presence while avoiding the congestion, higher overhead and higher operating costs associated with Chicago suburbs.
Huntley remains one of the northwest suburbs’ growth communities, with steady population increases and ongoing residential, commercial, and industrial development. The village’s expanding residential base, strong amenities, and family-friendly environment give employers a meaningful advantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. Paired with competitive real estate costs and reliable municipal infrastructure, Huntley offers a compelling option for organizations looking for a headquarters or satellite office with room to grow.
What are the main benefits of doing business in Huntley?
Stocker: Companies operating in Huntley often point to the village’s straightforward, predictable development process. Huntley has a reputation for streamlined permitting and consistent communication, which helps reduce project uncertainty and shorten timelines.
Huntley also has the infrastructure capacity to accommodate a wide range of business needs, whether office, industrial, or mixed-use. There is developable land for companies that want to build new, along with redevelopment opportunities for those seeking to adapt existing space.
These advantages—combined with a strong local workforce and a high quality of life for employees—reinforce Huntley’s position as an attractive place to establish and grow a business.
What steps is the village taking to encourage businesses to move to the area?
Stocker: The Village of Huntley actively positions itself as a partner and has taken a deliberate approach to economic development.
- The village recently adopted an updated comprehensive plan and continues to follow an economic development strategy centered on business attraction, industry engagement, and long-range planning.
- Significant infrastructure improvements are underway — including roadway upgrades and enhanced water treatment capacity — to support anticipated commercial and industrial growth.
- Staff regularly collaborate with developers and commercial brokers to showcase development-ready sites, particularly along the I-90 corridor.
- Huntley continues to support redevelopment and mixed-use projects that strengthen commercial areas and diversify the local economy.
Together, these steps demonstrate Huntley’s commitment to fostering a predictable, supportive environment for business relocation and expansion.
Is the village seeing an increase in interest from companies? Why is this happening?
Stocker: Yes. Huntley has seen rising interest across manufacturing, industrial, logistics, office, and mixed-use sectors. Several factors are driving that activity. Many companies are rethinking their suburban footprints and seeking locations with lower operating costs and improved workforce access. The I-90 corridor, in particular, has become a highly attractive development area thanks to its connectivity and availability of modern sites.
Further strengthening Huntley’s appeal is its reputation for efficient permitting and responsive municipal processes— qualities that carry significant weight during competitive site-selection processes. Continued residential growth has also strengthened the labor pool, making the community more appealing to employers focused on staffing stability.
Taken together, these dynamics have elevated Huntley’s standing as a destination for business investment.
Can you share any recent economic success stories with our readers?
Stocker: Yes, several recent developments highlight Huntley’s growing economic momentum.
Huntley has seen several notable economic development successes, many involving companies that already had a presence in the suburbs but selected Huntley for their next phase of growth. Recent examples include:
- Silesia Group: The international flavor manufacturer, with operations in our local region, selected Huntley for a major expansion project. The company is investing $40 million in a new production and innovation facility, which will bring more than 40 full-time jobs to the village.
- Kuriyama of America: Kuriyama chose Huntley for a significant new presence, leasing approximately 329,000 square feet as the anchor tenant in the Huntley Commercial Center. This decision underscores the village’s appeal for companies seeking modern facilities with strong interstate access.
- Sanfilippo & Son: With longstanding operations in the northwest suburbs, Sanfilippo chose Huntley for a substantial new distribution facility, securing 444,600 square feet to consolidate and expand its logistics functions. The move underscores Huntley’s competitive positioning along the I-90 corridor and its ability to attract major corporate investments.
- Rush Truck Centers: A longstanding presence in Huntley, Rush is constructing a large new facility to expand its operations, reflecting continued confidence in the local market.
- Northwestern Medicine: Northwestern Medicine is underway on a noteworthy $95 million expansion of its Huntley Campus. The project will broaden medical services, improve access to care, and strengthen Huntley’s role as a regional healthcare hub. It is one of the most significant capital investments currently occurring in the northwest suburbs.
Do you expect to see more of this kind of investment in the future?
Stocker: These investments reflect a clear trend: companies across the region are choosing Huntley for their next stage of growth. The village’s strategic location, development-ready environment, and forward momentum demonstrate that Huntley is built for business and ready for growth.
Huntley has been very deliberate about positioning itself for long-term growth, and companies are responding. Businesses of all sizes value the access, the available space, and the sense of momentum throughout the community, but they also appreciate that Huntley is a place where they can envision their future. That combination—opportunity and community—is what continues to draw businesses here.
