In Illinois, Redbox Is Out, Wanxiang Is In

By Kevin Robinson in News on Feb 19, 2010 5:00PM

Oakbrook Terrace-based Redbox, operator of the vending machine DVD rental units ubiquitous in supermarkets, will close its call center in Downers Grove, handing operations over to a third-party service provider. Rebox was vague on the details, but did tell Crain's that it's vendor has operations in Texas and Canada. “After considering a number of options, it was determined that using a third party to manage our customer service operations was the best business decision for the company,” Redbox said in a statement.

Meanwhile the Hangzhou, Zhejiang China-based Wanxiang Group, which has its U.S. subsidiary based in Elgin, is looking to expand in Chicago. The privately-held Wanxiang is one of China's largest auto-parts manufacturers, and makes axles and brake and transmission parts in Elgin. Next month they will open a plant in Rockford to manufacture solar panels. Internationally, Wanxiang is involved in aquaculture (eels and snakes, specifically), agricultural engineering, bridge and road construction, hotel management, financial services, and power plant construction. Wanxiang is looking to buy up half a billion dollars of Chicago real estate, as the prices have fallen in the U.S. and because the company has funds to invest. According to Crain's, Wanxiang is targeting Chicago-area properties priced at around $10 million.