Flex Expands in Lake County: A Community Success Story

Flex, a Singapore supply‑chain firm, opened its first Lake County office in 2017 with fewer than 100 staff. Today it employs about 1, 000 people across Buffalo Grove and Libertyville sites, and plans to reach roughly 1, 700 workers as new projects roll out. The company attributes this growth to its tech‑driven approach and the county’s talent pool. At Lake County Partners’ Big Event, Flex received the Community Investment Award. The ceremony drew a full house of more than 500 guests, including local leaders and business figures. Dan Joyce, chief operating officer of Bath Concepts and board chair for the partners, praised Flex’s new drug‑delivery facility as evidence that Lake County offers strong infrastructure and leadership. He noted that when global firms choose a location, they look for collaboration, innovation, and reliable execution. The event also honored the College of Lake County with a Talent Advancement Award. The college’s role in producing skilled workers was highlighted by both Joyce and the college president, Lori Suddick. They emphasized how educational programs feed into local businesses, creating a cycle of opportunity.Networking among attendees—business owners, elected officials such as U. S. Rep. Brad Schneider and Lake County Chair Sandy Hart, educators, and philanthropists—underscored the collective effort to sustain job growth. Lake County Partners’ president, Kevin Considine, pointed out that the region has attracted over $2 billion in capital investment in five years, thanks to this collaborative network. Flex is also investing in AI, data centers, and health‑related solutions. Vice president Melinda Chong believes the county’s universities and life‑science companies make it an ideal growth area. Meanwhile, CLC president Suddick highlighted the college’s Advanced Technology Center and campus expansions as key to building a future workforce. Joyce added that Lake County’s recognition as one of the top U. S. counties for business development, along with expansions by AbbVie and Fortune Brands, reflects broader progress in housing, early childhood education, and talent pipelines. Board chair Hart echoed that a highly educated workforce keeps the county at the forefront of life‑sciences in the Midwest. Keynote speaker Jon Roberts compared Lake County’s trajectory to Austin, Texas, noting that long‑term growth begins with the right workforce and infrastructure. He urged stakeholders to continue nurturing talent to meet future demand.