New T&D Metals Plant 3 Up & Running
UPDATE on the progress of T&D Metal Products’ plant 3 that was made possible in part by revolving loans from Iroquois County & the City of Watseka. The plant is up and running on phase 1 production. They are currently fabricating 4 different styles of steel Gun Cabinets that are starting to go out to the market. The first large box store orders to Mills Farm & Fleet were shipped in July. The next large quantity orders will go out in September to Menards! The plant is still in the ‘ramp up’ stage, and there are a number of additional pieces of equipment to be added and additional hiring to be done as volume continues to grow, but they have already created 11 new jobs. It should be noted that the quality cabinets T&D is building have been well received by their customers. – Another great success story for a major Iroquois County employer. —
Watseka McDonalds – Coming right along!
In spite of all the rain keeping farmers out of the fields, the construction crews at the new McDonalds in Watseka are getting the job done. Get ready everybody. With some luck and a few finishing touches, the owners are hoping for a Grand Opening in the first week of June.
New Watseka McDonald’s Construction is Making Progress!
The new McDonald’s construction site in Watseka doesn’t look like much yet, but activity at the jobsite was buzzing on this fine spring morning. According to news reports, the new McDonald’s will have modern touch panel order screens, two drive thru lanes, and will feature table service inside.
The much-anticipated project began late last fall after the demolition of both The Flower Shak and Burger King. The old McDonald’s site has also been demolished.
The reason for the McDonald’s move in Watseka is well-known to locals. Watseka has experienced several significant flood events, and the McDonald’s was underwater each time. After flooding in 2008, upgrades were made to the building to keep the water out. The upgrades worked in 2015 & 2016, allowing the McDonald’s to reopen almost as soon as the water had receded. However after another major flood in 2018, the waterproofing failed and the building was again inundated and deemed to be too badly damaged to save.
Residents of Watseka as well as travelers on Route 1 are looking forward to having quick access to a McDonald’s drive-thru again. Currently the nearest McDonalds are located in Gilman, Hoopeston, and Kentland, all roughly 20-30 minutes from Watseka.
The new McDonald’s is being constructed just across the street from the newly constructed Casey’s, which was a significant upgrade for Watseka as well. The old Casey’s building, located in downtown Watseka, has been repurposed and is now the Watseka DMV.
We’re glad to see these new improvements happening in the heart of Iroquois County!