Cannon manufacturer, test site are ‘a big deal' in Elgin

BAE Systems, a Maryland-based global defense company, will occupy a 10,000-square-foot building in the new industrial park. BAE Systems will focus on production of the Army's Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon vehicles and eventually provide about 100 jobs.

Elgin Mayor Larry Thoma said the new facility is a "big deal” for Elgin and has been in the making for about 10 years. "A lot of people put their heart and soul into this project,” he said.