JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that Hyundai Translead is expanding its planned investment in Will County – creating a total of 3,750 new full-time jobs and investing $600 million. The State is also investing in a new Manufacturing Training Academy (MTA) at Joliet Junior College (JJC).
“Joliet is the heartbeat of industry in Will County and the state of Illinois, and this new Hyundai Translead facility will bring jobs and bolster economic growth in the 43rd District and surrounding communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This investment proves we are a premier manufacturing destination and demonstrates a commitment to fostering relationships that promote economic development in our communities.”
Hyundai Translead’s two Will County facilities will bring new manufacturing operations to the former sites of Caterpillar’s heavy equipment operations and Lion Electric’s electric bus operations. A subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Translead, manufactures transportation equipment, including dry and refrigerated van trailers, flatbeds, truck bodies and dollies. The company’s new facilities in Illinois will focus on expanding its manufacturing footprint to better serve its customers with industry-leading commercial transportation products.
“Expanding our planned investment reflects our confidence in Illinois, its workforce, and the long-term growth of our U.S. operations,” said CEO of Hyundai Translead Sean Kenney. “This increased commitment will create more opportunities for working families, strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, and enhance our ability to serve customers. We appreciate the continued partnership of state and local leaders in advancing this important project.”
To support Hyundai Translead’s investment in Will County, a new MTA at JJC is being established to strengthen the regional workforce development pipeline, equip Illinoisans with the skills needed for in-demand manufacturing careers, and help ensure the state’s growing manufacturing industry continues to have access to a highly skilled workforce.
During her time in the Senate, Ventura has advocated for continued investment to further solidify the state as a premier destination to locate or expand a business, with its robust infrastructure, strategic location, and top-ranked workforce – reinforcing why Site Selection Magazine has named Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocations for four years in a row.
