PEORIA MAGAZINE April 2022

share similar values, along with a strong commitment to our people and our customers, leading to a remarkable strategic fit. “I am both humbled and excited that Maui Jim will join the Kering Eyewear family.Wehaveproudpasts, and together will have an even brighter future.” “We see strong potentially globally for Maui Jim, which will benefit from our expertise and worldwide network to extend its geographical footprint,” added Roberto Vedovotto, CEO of Kering Eyewear. Caterpillar has suspended many operations in Russia, citing “supply chain disruptions and sanctions” due to the war in Ukraine.

“We are saddened by the tragic events continuing to occur in Ukraine and hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis,” Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby said in a statement. Meanwhile, theCaterpillar Foundation is donatingmore than $1 million toward relief efforts – the provision of food, clothing, housing, fuel, etc. — in the growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The Foundation also is providing a two to-one match for all donations from its U.S. retirees and fromglobal Caterpillar and dealer employees. Natural FiberWelding Inc. has cleared the first hurdle in its planned expansion into a long-empty former department store on Peoria’s Peoria Parkway.

The Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission recently gave its green light to the move. At this writing, the company devoted to creating products from “plants, not plastic” was awaiting final approval from the Peoria City Council. The building, at 2323 W. Pioneer Parkway, was once a Shopko before closing 16 years ago. Natural Fiber Welding would use nearly 20 percent of the 130,000 square foot facility. The company, founded by Bradley University chemistry professor Dr. Luke Haverhals, has been growing by leaps and bounds. It is headquartered at 6533 N. Galena Road.

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