AI is coming to Wilmington

Artificial intelligence-powered logistics giant Exol has confirmed plans to establish its Chicago-area fulfillment center in Wilmington, bringing one of the company's next-generation robotic logistics facilities to the city's rapidly growing industrial corridor.
Amber Rubin, Exol's senior account director, confirmed to the Free Press Advocate that the company's planned Chicago facility will be located at 30542 S. Elion Blvd., ending speculation fueled by city permit records and industry databases that link Exol to the site.
City permit records show a permit valued at more than $19 million is currently being reviewed by the City of Wilmington for the installation of product storage racking inside the facility.
Previously, City Administrator Melissa Wiak, responding on behalf of Mayor Ben Dietz, said the permit covered installation of storage racking and that the city did not have additional information regarding the company's operations.
Opening planned
for 2027
Rubin said the Wilmington facility is expected to become operational in 2027 as part of Exol's nationwide expansion strategy. The company plans a network of six physical AI fulfillment centers that together will provide approximately six million square feet of automated fulfillment capacity serving retail, wholesale and consumer goods companies across the United States.
Read all the details in the print edition of the Free Press Advocate, available in local stores or click on subscriptions above.