Economic Development Sustainability Business Solutions

October 28, 2025

Manner Polymers Sets a New Standard for Sustainability in Manufacturing

A new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon, IL uses solar power to produce almost all its own power right on site.

Facilitating Expansion of Manner Polymers’ Sustainable Operations

Ameren Illinois played a pivotal role in the successful location of Manner Polymers’ new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon, Illinois. This $54 million, 100,000-square-foot facility is set to create 60 high-wage jobs and significantly boost the local economy.

“Not only will we incorporate best-in-class manufacturing technology, but we will also produce substantially all of the electricity that we use,” said CEO of Manner Polymers, Raj Bhargava. “This will be a transformational plant. It will have industry-leading capabilities coupled with a clean energy footprint.”

Manner Polymers, a Texas-based producer of custom PVC material for the agriculture, appliance and automotive sectors, embarked on an expansion to meet the growing demand for compounds used in electric vehicles and solar panels. They chose the strategic location in Mount Vernon due to competitive state incentives, available site infrastructure, multi-modal transportation access as well as a qualified local workforce.

Helping With Design Collaboration and Infrastructure Development

Ameren economic development representatives worked closely with Manner Polymers’ engineering teams to plan and design the electric service for the new facility. This partnership ensured that the electrical infrastructure was properly established to meet the specific needs of the manufacturing operation.

To transport raw materials, the team determined that the adjacent Burlington Northern railroad would require a spur to the new facility. Ameren Illinois then constructed a line extension to provide electricity for electronic switching signals, ensuring efficient and safe rail access to the project site.

Ameren Illinois Assures Power Supply and Renewable Energy Integration

One of the major factors in selecting the Mount Vernon site was Ameren Illinois’ assurance that a sufficient power supply would be available. Ameren Illinois engineers determined that upgrading an existing substation would meet the 5 MW load requirement for the new facility. This upgrade was essential to support the manufacturing operation as well as to integrate a planned 15-acre on-site solar generation field.

Ameren Illinois also coordinated with the solar developer partner to facilitate behind-the-meter renewable energy generation. This collaboration lowered energy supply costs for Manner Polymers and enhanced the facility’s sustainable operations with renewable energy integration.

Impact of Advanced Technology and On-Site Solar Generation Field

When the facility begins operations, it will set a new standard for sustainability in the industry. By incorporating advanced manufacturing control systems and producing nearly all the electricity it uses, Manner Polymer’s compounding plant will be one of the most environmentally sustainable flexible PVC facilities in the world.

“Manner Polymers selected the city of Mount Vernon and the state of Illinois for our expansion for several reasons including logistics, geography and economics,” said Sean Walker, vice president of sales for Manner Polymers. “What stood out about Illinois and Mount Vernon were the people. From site selection to production startup, local development groups, state government officials and our energy representatives at Ameren Illinois worked together to make our expansion a success. We benefited from a skilled team of advocates who assisted us in every phase of the project. We are excited to be opening our newest facility in the state of Illinois.”

Sustainable operations are within reach for many businesses in downstate Illinois. Reach out to the Ameren team for expert advice with project planning, infrastructure expansion, renewable energy integration and beyond.