CHICAGO— In a major move to address the rapidly evolving needs of modern manufacturing, global real estate leader JLL has announced the formation of a dedicated Advanced Manufacturing group. The new initiative will offer integrated, specialized real estate solutions to developers, occupiers, and investors in the high-tech production sector, from semiconductors and EV batteries to aerospace and medical devices.
Housed within JLL’s Industries team, the new Center of Excellence (COE) brings together top experts across the company’s Leasing Advisory, Work Dynamics, Project and Development Services, and Property Management divisions. The group will provide a full suite of services including site selection, portfolio optimization, facilities and occupancy planning, project management, and sustainability consulting—aimed specifically at advanced manufacturing environments.
“We’ve strategically formed the Advanced Manufacturing group to address the evolving needs of an industry that’s rapidly transforming through technology,” said Andy Poppink, CEO of Leasing Advisory at JLL. “Our goal is to transform traditional spaces into innovation centers that will serve as global models of manufacturing and set the tone for the next chapter in industrial advancement.”
Advanced manufacturing is reshaping how products are made by integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and real-time data analytics. The shift enables smarter, more energy-efficient, and higher-precision operations across a range of sectors including electronics, defense, clean energy, automotive, and life sciences.
The initiative is co-led by Greg Matter, Vice Chair of Industrial Leasing and Site Selection, and Meredith O’Connor, Vice Chair of National Site Selection and Incentives, in partnership with Meaghan Elwell, Division President, Global – Industrials, Work Dynamics.
“The regionalization trend is driving a transformation in advanced manufacturing,” said Greg Matter. “Our team’s deep industry knowledge and innovative approach enables us to deliver tailored real estate solutions that drive efficiency and growth for our clients, making JLL a strategic partner.”
O’Connor emphasized the group’s focus on future-forward solutions and inter-industry collaboration.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and energy-saving practices, we’re not just adapting to the future of manufacturing—we’re actively shaping it,” she said. “The JLL Advanced Manufacturing group builds a bridge across the various industry sectors with specialized manufacturing needs. I’m excited to work with Greg and other industry experts to take this innovative leap forward to create solutions for the unique challenges and opportunities for advanced manufacturing clients.”
With the manufacturing sector experiencing seismic shifts in response to technological advancements, supply chain realignment, and geopolitical dynamics, JLL’s Advanced Manufacturing group is positioned to become a critical strategic advisor to clients navigating this transformation.
