Manteno Chinese Battery Manufacturing Plant to be Located in Former Kmart Warehouse

“Today, we take another leap forward, announcing the largest electric vehicle battery production investment in Illinois to date. It’s my pleasure to welcome a world-leading battery manufacturer — Gotion — to Illinois,” said Governor Pritzker. “This announcement is a testament to Illinois’ status as a leading destination for companies and investors, who want the most talented workers, the best transportation systems, and a collaborative economic growth mindset from their partners in government at all levels. With 2,600 new jobs, a $2 billion gigafactory, and the most significant new manufacturing investment in Illinois in decades — it’s the most recent proof we are in a new paradigm. Illinois is on the rise, and we’re open for business.”

“Our administration is creating a better and healthier future. This new facility will be a game-changer in our state’s economy, creating new jobs and showing our continued commitment to making Illinois a renewable energy manufacturing powerhouse,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. “We are providing real solutions and new opportunities for our residents to push forward with us. I thank Governor Pritzker for his steadfast leadership for a greener tomorrow.”

“Energy and environmental protection are our common challenges. To address them, solar power, wind, and energy storage systems are becoming the backbone of a new energy system and accelerate the revolution in the global energy landscape,” said Li Zhen, chairman of Gotion High-tech. “All that we see here [in Illinois] are of enormous value to us: An enabling business environment, a supportive state government for the new energy industry and their highly efficient work, as well as the prospects of the State of Illinois in the coming years. When we come to Illinois, we are not building a new factory but are planning to reuse an existing one and bring it back to life again as our way of cherishing and conserving resources. We believe Gotion’s battery technology will help to boost e-mobility in North America and the economic and trade exchanges between China and the U.S.”

Gotion’s new state-of-the-art EV battery plant will help bolster the supply chain and meet growing demand for batteries across the EV sector, including Gotion’s partners, as well as additional EV manufacturers across North America. The facility will focus on lithium-ion battery cell, battery pack production, and energy storage system integration. Once completed, the facility in Manteno is expected to produce 10 GWh of lithium-ion battery packs and 40 GWh of lithium-ion battery cells, which will strengthen the American EV battery supply chain. The site will cover approximately 150 acres.

With competitive incentives through REV Illinois, unmatched infrastructure, access to markets, as well as an abundant and qualified workforce, Gotion selected Illinois to locate its gigafactory after a competitive nationwide search. Illinois’ assets combined with a comprehensive REV Illinois incentive package and the state’s new Invest in Illinois Fund helped secure Gotion’s historic investment in Illinois.

Gotion’s total incentive package from the State of Illinois, which includes REV, Invest in Illinois, and other incentives, is valued at $536 million. Through REV, Gotion is eligible to receive tax benefits totaling $213 million over 30 years. The REV agreement specifies a minimum company investment of $1.9 billion and the creation of 2,600 full-time jobs that are paid at least 120 percent of the average wage of similar job classifications in Kankakee County.

Gotion also will be the first recipient of Invest in Illinois funding in the amount of $125 million in capital funding to the company. The fund was signed into law in early 2023 to make Illinois more attractive when vying for large projects in highly competitive sectors like clean energy. Gotion also was approved by local authorities for property tax abatement for 30 years.

As part of Illinois’ commitment to build out comprehensive EV hubs and support Illinois’ workforce, the state also will fund a new manufacturing training academy nearby, as well as award an additional grant to workforce providers to expand training and prepare regional employees for the new jobs.

“I am thrilled to see this groundbreaking development of Gotion’s state-of-the-art EV battery plant right here in Kankakee County,” said State Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “This facility not only represents a step forward in strengthening the EV supply chain, but also highlights Illinois’ commitment to innovation and job creation.”

“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,” said Manteno Mayor Timothy O. Nugent.

“Between today’s announcement, recent investments in the electric vehicle space throughout the state, and thanks to our skilled and diverse talent pool, world-class universities, and key infrastructure, it’s clear Illinois is well-positioned to be a leader in the electric vehicle space,” said Jack Lavin, president and CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “Today’s announcement will set us on a course to secure significant jobs and investment for years to come. We thank Gov. Pritzker for his commitment to investing in industries that drive our economic growth and create jobs and his leadership in the effort to secure this facility. We look forward to continuing to work together to attract more generational economic development opportunities across the state.”

“At Nicor Gas, we are proud to serve the Manteno community and are excited to welcome Gotion as they expand their state-of-the-art battery and energy storage operations into Illinois,” said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. “We look forward to working with the State of Illinois and economic development partners with an ‘all of the above’ net-zero energy mix that will result in manufacturing jobs coming to Kankakee County.”

“Today’s announcement is a huge win for Illinois. It builds on our state’s long history of auto manufacturing, and we are thrilled to welcome Gotion to Illinois as we work diligently to create an innovative ecosystem that supports our growing electric vehicle sector,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We are proud to have partnered with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to put in place incentives to help bring these businesses to Illinois, and we look forward to the continued success of this important industry.”

“This project is an important step forward for Illinois,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “While the investment itself is significant, the broader impacts of the new jobs and related economic developments will be a significant boost for existing business. We congratulate Gov. Pritzker, our legislative leaders, and everyone promoting Illinois.

“The Illinois Economic Development Association is proud to support the state’s new business attraction tools,” said IEDA Chairman Michael Cassa. “The announcement of the EV project proves the tools are working.”