Plans of Viscofan U.S.A. to bring a new process to its Danville plant are moving forward. The Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the company’s request for a variance that will allow for the construction of a 98-foot tall tower. It will be erected within the existing footprint of the plant at 915 North Michigan Avenue.
Viscofan manufactures cellulose based casings – such as those on the outside of hot dogs. The company says the new tower will house a vertical conveyor integral to the process. Viscofan is replacing three of its older, out-dated lines in the middle of the plant but the company says no one will lose their job. Currently there are about 300 employees working there.
Interior foundation work for the tower is expected to begin in about a month. The company hopes to have it enclosed by winter, adding most contractors are expected to be local.
Company representatives who attended the Commission meeting said the expansion shows Viscofan is committed to Danville for years to come. In fact, they noted Viscofan has 14 plants, but is currently focused on Danville. The new vertical conveyor will be similar to one the company has in Mexico.
