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REEL Strengthens North American Presence with New Springfield Facility
A Strategic Hub in the Heart of Illinois
REEL has taken a significant step in its North American expansion with the acquisition of a manufacturing site in Springfield, the capital of Illinois. Spanning 3.75 hectares with 4,040 square meters of production space, this facility represents a major asset in an increasingly protectionist U.S. market.
This strategic location addresses several key objectives:
• Increasing manufacturing capacity in North America
• Boosting local content for U.S. projects
• Reducing the impact of customs tariffs
• Supporting growth in the U.S. nuclear market
• Freeing up capacity at the Boisbriand site for Canadian projects
Industrial Infrastructure Ready for Scale-Up
The Springfield site is equipped with heavy-lift capabilities tailored for large-scale fabrication:
• Three 15-ton overhead cranes,
• One 30-ton overhead crane.
Although the main building had been unused since 2020, it underwent a complete refurbishment before operations began. Several investment phases are already planned:
• Demolition of unusable secondary buildings;
• Repaving of south, east, and north zones;
• Overhaul of overhead cranes;
• Progressive development of production areas.
A Rigorously Prepared Expansion
Prior to acquisition, REEL conducted a comprehensive analysis to ensure the site met all technical, environmental, and operational requirements:
• Environmental compliance verification
• Availability of a skilled labor pool
• Suitability of industrial zoning
• Financial viability validation
With these factors confirmed, REEL USA finalised the purchase in late 2025 and launched necessary renovations to welcome the first teams in January 2026.
A Committed and Experienced Start-Up Team
On January 6, 2026, Springfield’s first team began operations. The group includes:
• Mechanical assemblers
• Electricians
• A manufacturing engineering specialist
• A buyer
• A site manager
Integration was supported by teams from Boisbriand through:
• Information sessions
• Lean workshops
• Team-building activities
• Organisation of initial production spaces
A Manufacturing Extension of REEL COH
While legally part of REEL USA, the Springfield site operates as a manufacturing extension of the Boisbriand facility in Canada. Initial production will focus primarily on U.S. hydroelectric projects, with project management and engineering remaining based in Canada. The medium-term goal is clear: build local teams capable of managing the full scope of U.S. projects.
Positive Market Reception
Since the acquisition announcement, several clients have expressed interest in this new U.S.-based manufacturing capacity. The Springfield site opens the door to new commercial opportunities in strategic sectors, particularly nuclear energy.
A New Chapter for REEL in North America
With this establishment, REEL confirms its commitment to long-term investment in the U.S. market and the strengthening of its international industrial network. The Springfield team is now ramping up operations and will contribute fully to the Group’s development across the United States.
