Global EV Battery Maker Gotion Brings First North American Operation to Manteno
Kankakee County, IL – The Village of Manteno will soon be home to a global manufacturer in the electric vehicle industry. Gotion Inc., a Chinese-based manufacturer, along with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker made the official announcement to bring the $2 billion-dollar gigafactory to the area. This is the largest electric vehicle battery production investment in Illinois to date, and the first operation in North America for Gotion.
“We are excited to have this company consider Kankakee County and bring these opportunities to our residents,” said Village of Manteno Mayor Timothy Nugent. “These will be good paying jobs and an anticipated tax revenue double what the site currently produces. This is a good thing.”
Gotion will take over the former Kmart warehouse, located at 333 S. Spruce Street in Manteno, where they will produce 10 GWh of lithium-ion battery packs and 40 GWh of lithium-ion battery cells. The company also expects to incorporate pack production and energy storage via solar power. Renovations are expected to begin in the next several months, with production to begin in the later part of 2024.
Phase one of the operation will include 1,651 positions, with another 1,000 positions added in phase two. Average wages are expected to be at $55,000 / year, which accounts for $144 million in payroll annually.
“These are good paying jobs in an up-and-coming industry,” said Mayor Nugent. “We know the company expects to invest a lot of resources into training employees who will be well-versed in this high-tech market. This is the way the future is going. I am glad Kankakee County can be a part of it.”
“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…” Governor JB Pritzker said.
State and local officials have worked closely with the company over several months to negotiate a deal that would be beneficial to the community and the company.
Local property taxes at the now-mostly vacant warehouse will be capped once they reach $2 million a year for 30 years. Currently the site generates less than $1 million a year. Additionally, Gotion’s total incentive package from the State of Illinois includes REV, Invest in Illinois, and other incentives and is valued at $536 million.
As part of Illinois’ commitment to build out comprehensive EV hubs and support Illinois’ workforce, the state will also fund a new manufacturing training academy, as well as award an additional grant to workforce providers to expand training and prepare regional employees for the new jobs.
“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 Timothy O. Nugent, Mayor of Manteno.
Photos from the official announcement on September 8, 2023 in Manteno, Illinois.
