Manteno, Illinois – In a groundbreaking development, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled plans on Friday that are set to bring a tidal wave of economic opportunity to Kankakee County.
With a resounding roar of 2600 new job opportunities, Kankakee County is poised to become a hub of innovation and employment.
The announcement took place at the old Kmart warehouse in Manteno, where dignitaries, including Governor Pritzker, gathered to herald the dawn of a new era for the region.
Chinese electric battery giant, Gotion, which has selected Manteno as the site for its maiden US-based electric vehicle battery manufacturing venture.
Commencing operations in 2024, the facility will churn out lithium-ion battery packs and battery cells, destined to power electric buses, trucks, and cars. These batteries will find homes not just across the continent but will also traverse the globe.
Governor Pritzker emphasized, “These batteries will be built by more than 2600 full-time Illinois workers, bringing not just new jobs but economic development and opportunity to the residents of this region. But that’s not all. To support the workforce development for Gotion and other clean energy companies, a state-of-the-art manufacturing training academy will be built to upscale workers for the clean energy revolution.”
Gotion plans to use American components, resources, and labor in the manufacturing process. The company’s green credentials are equally impressive, with plans to exclusively utilize clean energy within the facility. The Gotion Manteno Plant is projected to be fully operational between April and June 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s history.
In response to this monumental news, State Senator Patrick Joyce expressed his elation, stating, “Gotion could not have picked a better place for this new factory. This is a huge investment in Kankakee County and will result in good-paying jobs for residents. This is a huge win for our region.”
Gotion’s state-of-the-art EV battery plant will play a crucial role in strengthening the supply chain and meeting the surging demand for batteries in the EV sector, benefitting not only Gotion’s partners but also other EV manufacturers across North America.
As Illinois doubles down on its commitment to establish comprehensive EV hubs and bolster the workforce, a new manufacturing training academy will be funded nearby.
“This announcement is a huge win for Manteno, Kankakee County, and the State of Illinois, and will only enhance and strengthen our robust manufacturing sector,” exclaimed Timothy O. Nugent, Mayor of Manteno.
In its quest to expand its footprint across the United States, Gotion has not been without its share of controversy. The company’s previous deal with a Michigan community stirred up concerns among residents and critics alike. This deal involved a proposed 3-million-square-foot battery plant facility that would consume substantial amounts of water during production, raising questions about potential environmental damage.
Critics of the company have also feared potential national security threats due to concerns of connections to the Chinese Communist Party, which has been steadily increasing its influence over Chinese businesses.Â
As Gotion sets its sights on Manteno, Illinois, for its latest endeavor, the company must navigate these concerns and showcase its commitment to responsible and secure operations.
