Rockford’s Factory Comeback: Courage, Community, and Jobs

What was once a symbol of Rockford’s industrial past is now a story of comeback, courage, and community. Former Gunite workers have stepped up to save the city’s historic factory, breathing new life into a space that once defined local manufacturing — and in doing so, they are creating 150 good-paying jobs right here in our city.

State Representative Maurice West applauds the new leadership—community members who worked their way up at Gunite and deeply care about Rockford’s future. With millions of dollars in payroll tax incentives and workforce training from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), this revival isn’t just about reopening doors—it’s about investing in people. It honors the hands that built this city and ensures the next generation can do the same with pride, purpose, and opportunity.

To State Representative Maurice West, this is more than economic growth—it’s a movement powered by determination, community, and the belief that Rockford can and will continue to rise.