In a significant development for Illinois and the greater Chicago area, Lion Electric’s state-of-the-art plant, designed for the production of all-electric vehicles such as trucks and school buses, was officially opened on Friday in the southwest suburban town of Channahon.
The inauguration of this cutting-edge electric vehicle plant is projected to create approximately 1,400 jobs and have the capacity to manufacture up to 20,000 vehicles annually, signifying a remarkable step forward in the realm of commercial electric vehicles, as stated by Lion Electric CEO, Marc Bedard.
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Notably, this newly established assembly plant marks the first dedicated facility of its kind in the Chicago metro area since 1965, reaffirming the region’s commitment to fostering innovative and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Amidst the grand opening, Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, expressed her pride in the plant’s presence in Joliet and recognized the significance of the work being undertaken on-site.
With a sprawling area encompassing 900,000 square feet, this facility stands as the largest dedicated assembly plant in the United States, solely focusing on the production of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including school buses.
The momentous occasion saw the participation of distinguished figures such as Gov. JB Pritzker, Sens. Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, and numerous local leaders, underscoring the significance of this development in bolstering Illinois’ clean energy economy and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the plant’s operation is expected to open doors for new internship opportunities catering to students, further promoting the state’s progress in green manufacturing.
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As Lion Electric continues to lead the charge in commercial electric vehicle production, the establishment of this pioneering plant elevates Illinois as a potential global leader in eco-friendly manufacturing, as observed by Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
The new assembly plant sets the stage for a future characterized by sustainable transportation solutions, representing a pivotal milestone in the journey towards a cleaner and greener automotive industry.
