GALESBURG — Intellihot, a clean technology manufacturer that creates innovative, sustainable solutions for the built environment, announced Friday the purchase of its longtime factory space at 2900 W. Main St. in Galesburg.
According to the Knox County Assessment Office, Intellihot purchased the building from Building 4, LLC a Washington Limited Liability Company for $1,300,000 on Feb. 8.
Intellihot set up its factory in Galesburg in 2011 in a collaborative effort with the city of Galesburg and Human Links Foundation, a nonprofit that works to establish healthy and sustainable agricultural communities through funding, education, and community-focused programs.
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A statement from Intellihot said the company has experienced rapid growth over the last 11 years and has established itself as a national brand. In support of the company’s continued growth and the city that has been a forward-thinking partner from the start, Intellihot has purchased the building and expanded its commitment to the central Illinois community and will be increasing production and staff at the factory.
“When we set up our factory in Galesburg in 2011, the vision was to bring high-tech sustainable jobs to the Midwest,” said Intellihot founder and CEO, Sridhar Deivasigamani. “With this expansion, we are in for the long haul, and we expect to put Galesburg at the center of the clean technology revolution in helping to fight climate change.”
The Register-Mail reported in December a $50 million expansion project by Intellihot was expected to result in a net addition of jobs in Galesburg.Intellihot marketing spokesman Amy Turner said the company’s manufacturing facility will remain in Galesburg, and the company will be adding more jobs here as it plans for large production increases during the period of growth.
Intellihot has about 85 employees in Galesburg, ranging from positions in accounting, marketing, operations, production, quality, sourcing, engineering and technical support. Intellihot said “it remains to be determined” how many jobs it expects to add in Galesburg.
The corporate headquarters, however, will be relocated from Galesburg to the Chicagoland area.
“Intellihot Inc. is one of the key success stories of Galesburg’s economic development work over the past several years,” said Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman. “It is a company that provides an outstanding product which has great functional and environmental utility.
“We are so thankful to see Intellihot Inc. redoubling its commitment to our community with the purchase of the Carhartt building. I am so thankful that such an exemplary business that began here continues to thrive here.”
Intellihot’s products include smart technologies for the built environment, including the world’s most advanced commercial tankless water heaters and AI powered building smartification tools. Intellihot products are used across the country by large facilities including hotels, restaurants, stadiums, hospitals, and more. Current Intellihot customers include Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Benihana, and Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
The Knox County Brewing Company, one of the tenants that shared in the building with Intellihot at 2900 W. Main St., announced in January it would soon close its doors for good. Owner Matthew Hansen said that despite the taproom’s success, the pandemic has slowed their number of customers. After he and his wife Sarah Hansen were unable to obtain a new location for the business, Hansen said the sale of the building they currently lease came as a sign for the family to move on.
