Pilsen Manufacturing Firm Creates 200 Jobs in Major Expansion

A Chicago manufacturing company is betting big on the city’s industrial future, announcing a major expansion that will bring 200 new jobs to the Pilsen neighborhood over the next 18 months.

Midwest Metal Works, a family-owned precision metal fabrication company that has operated on the Southwest Side for nearly four decades, revealed plans Tuesday for a $15 million facility expansion that will nearly double its workforce and production capacity.

The company, which specializes in custom metal components for the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries, will add 120,000 square feet of manufacturing space to its existing 85,000-square-foot facility at 1847 W. Cermak Road. The expansion is expected to create jobs ranging from entry-level assembly positions to skilled welders, machinists, and engineering roles.

“We’ve seen tremendous demand for our products over the past two years, and we believe Chicago remains one of the best places in the country to manufacture quality metal components,” said Maria Gonzalez, president and CEO of Midwest Metal Works. “This expansion allows us to serve our customers better while providing good-paying jobs for residents of Pilsen and surrounding neighborhoods.”

The announcement comes as Chicago officials work to revitalize the city’s manufacturing sector, which has faced decades of decline. According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the region lost nearly 400,000 manufacturing jobs between 1990 and 2010, though the sector has shown signs of stabilization in recent years.

Midwest Metal Works’ expansion bucked national trends during the pandemic, as supply chain disruptions and reshoring efforts increased demand for domestic manufacturers. The company reported 35% revenue growth in 2023, driven largely by contracts with automotive suppliers and renewable energy companies.

The new positions will offer starting wages between $18 and $24 per hour, with experienced workers earning up to $32 per hour plus benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and tuition reimbursement. The company plans to partner with City Colleges of Chicago and local workforce development organizations to train new employees.

“These are exactly the kinds of jobs that can support families and build careers,” said Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, who represents the 25th Ward where the facility is located. “Midwest Metal Works has been a good neighbor in Pilsen for years, and this expansion shows their commitment to our community and our workers.”

The project received approval from the Chicago Plan Commission last month and is expected to benefit from city and state economic development incentives, including a portion of the company’s property tax increment over the next decade.

Construction on the expansion began in January and is scheduled for completion by summer 2025. The company expects to begin hiring for the new positions in phases starting this fall, with full staffing targeted for early 2026.

Pilsen has experienced significant economic transformation in recent years, balancing new development with efforts to preserve its character as a historically Latino neighborhood. The area has attracted both residential development and light industrial projects, benefiting from its proximity to downtown Chicago and existing transportation infrastructure.

Midwest Metal Works was founded in 1987 by Roberto Gonzalez, Maria’s father, who immigrated from Mexico and started the business with two employees in a small warehouse. Today, the company employs 215 workers and serves customers across the Midwest and beyond.

The expansion will include installation of advanced manufacturing equipment, including computer-controlled cutting machines and robotic welding systems. Despite the automation, company officials emphasized that the technology will complement rather than replace human workers.

“Technology helps us be more precise and efficient, but skilled craftspeople remain at the heart of what we do,” Gonzalez explained. “These machines require operators, programmers, and maintenance specialists, which is why we’re able to create so many new positions.”

The company’s growth reflects broader trends in American manufacturing, as businesses seek to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers and take advantage of federal infrastructure investments. Recent federal legislation supporting clean energy and domestic manufacturing has particularly benefited metal fabricators like Midwest Metal Works.

Chicago has worked to position itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing, leveraging its central location, transportation networks, and skilled workforce. The city’s industrial corridors, including areas of Pilsen, Little Village, and the South Side, have seen increased investment in recent years.

Interested job seekers can apply through the company’s website or attend upcoming job fairs scheduled for this fall. The company plans to prioritize local hiring, with particular emphasis on recruiting from Pilsen, Little Village, and other nearby neighborhoods.

Midwest Metal Works expects to complete hiring for all 200 positions by the end of 2025, making it one of the largest single job creation announcements by a Chicago manufacturer in recent years.