What do Styrofoam cups, underground tape, Bugles snacks and beef patties have in common?

Believe it or not, they’re all products manufactured in West Chicago. Residents new to the community may be unaware of the number of businesses that produce globally known products, right in their own backyard.

According to Dave Sabathne, Executive Director of the West Chicago Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the real-time and residual value of their presence in our city is enormous. “These businesses represent the best in corporate citizenship. Besides fueling the labor force and providing more than 3,000 jobs in West Chicago, there is a trickle-down effect that results in long-term economic benefit to the community. Their investment and support in our community directly impacts the quality of life for all who live and work here.”

The next time you reach for a product in your pantry, refrigerator or freezer, you may be reaching for something that was ‘made in West Chicago!’

Jel Sert: Produces Fla-Vor-Ice freezer pops, Royal puddings and gelatins, Mondo, and Wyler’s lemonade - www.jelsert.com

Ball Horticultural: Internationally renowned in producing varieties of seeds, young plants, and innovative horticultural hybrids. www.ballhort.com

General Mills: Produces Hamburger Helpers, Bugles and many of its best-loved cereals. www.generalmills.com

Liquid Container: Manufactures injection molded plastic containers for national brands or private labels. www.liquidcontainer.com

Otto & Sons: Processor of ready to cook beef and pork patties - supplies hamburgers to McDonald’s. www.osigroup.com

Win-Cup – Products include a broad range of disposable cups, bowls, containers, cutlery, and thermoformed plastic lids. www.wincup.com

Pro-Pak – Manufactures underground detectable tape and tone detectors; produces the yellow ‘Support Our Troops’ tape.

Northwestern Flavors: Manufactures the flavors for Wrigley confections.