When Tellabs announced it was expanding in Naperville, Ill., it wasn't kidding. Tellabs is creating 2,300 jobs in a $75 million investment in the western suburb of Chicago.

"Tellabs is committed to helping communications service providers build and migrate to next-generation, multi-service networks," said Michael J. Birck, president and CEO of Tellabs. "To do that, we must expand to meet our customers' growing and evolving needs."

The company designs, manufactures, markets and services data, voice and video transport switching/routing and network access systems. Its products are used worldwide by the providers of communications services.

On the other end of the spectrum, Quaker Oats recently announced plans to retain its Danville plant, in eastern Illinois. The company expects to add employees to its current work force of 540.

Nextel connects in Elk Grove Village

Illinois has had its share of telecommunications-related announcements. Nextel is constructing a 60,000 square foot switching station in Elk Grove Village. The station involves fiber optics for phone operations.

Sprint PCS and MCI Worldcom recently announced that both are developing call centers in the state.

Sprint PCS is opening a 105,000 square foot customer care center in Bolingbrook. The $17 million facility will support 1,200 new jobs, and will include about $8 million in machinery, equipment, furniture and computers.

MCI Worldcom is locating its new Mass Markets sales facility in Rockford.

The project is expected to create 500 full-time and 400 part-time jobs. The $20 million investment includes the construction of an 85,500 square foot call center.

State incentives included $500,000 for job training for the next two fiscal years and infrastructure assistance from a Large Business Development Program grant, EDGE tax credits and a High Impact Business Designation.

The High Impact Business Program will provide the company with investment tax credits and exemptions on the purchase of building materials.