For over a century, the South Works steel mill stood as a cornerstone of Chicago’s industrial might, fueling the local economy and shaping the South Chicago community. Originally established in 1857, the facility moved south to take advantage of Lake Michigan’s shipping routes, abundant labor, and freshwater supply. At its peak, South Works employed over 20,000 people, giving rise to a thriving neighborhood built around steel production. However, as global steel markets shifted, the mill downsized through the 1970s and ultimately closed in 1992, leaving behind a vacant expanse where industry once flourished. Since then, the site has remained largely dormant, a reminder of the city’s manufacturing legacy and the economic opportunities that once defined the area.

Now, PsiQuantum is bringing a new chapter of innovation to South Works, establishing a cutting-edge facility that will create at least 150 jobs in its initial phase. Just as steel once built the physical infrastructure of America, quantum computing will help build the future of technology as we usher in the fifth industrial revolution. Our presence in South Works signals not just a revitalization of the site, but a bridge between Chicago’s storied past and its future as a hub for scientific and technological breakthroughs. With quantum computing poised to tackle some of the world’s most complex problems, PsiQuantum’s partnership with IQMP will once again make this historic location a center of innovation, opportunity, and progress.