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10/9/2025
Union Pacific Railroad has begun serving Manner Polymers' new solar-powered plant in Mount Vernon, Illinois, the Class I announced Oct. 6 on social media.
A PVC compounds manufacturer, Manner Polymers officially opened the 80,000-square-foot facility in late August. It's entirely powered by a 15-acre on-site solar field, one of the first of its kind in the region, according to a Manner Polymers press release.
A 1,000-foot rail spur was constructed to connect the facility to the UP mainline. Rail service to the site was crucial for moving the project forward, according to an article on SiteSelection.com.
Bolstered by a "Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois" state incentive package, Manner Polymers invested $54 million to support the plant's construction. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker attended the company's ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 28.
The plant will manufacture electric vehicle PVC compounds, components for solar panels and materials for a wide range of industries.