First U.S. Electric Bus Assembly Plant Will Open in Illinois

Do you remember last week when Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker rolled out the red carpet to Canada and its residents?

RELATED: Illinois Invites Canadian Tourists with New Travel Campaign

Now, the Governor is announcing a big investment in the Land of Lincoln coming from a Canadian-based company.

$31.5 Million Investment Signals Growth for Illinois' EV Sector

In an announcement made during a business development trip to Washington, D.C., Governor Pritzker revealed that Damera Corporation will open its first U.S. electric bus assembly plant in Illinois, which is expected to create 90 full-time jobs.

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According to a press release from the Governor's office, the 31.5 million dollar investment is part of the state's broader effort to position Illinois as the country's leader in clean energy and EV manufacturing.

Illinois Town Chosen as Damera's Strategic Hub for U.S. Expansion

With support from Illinois' Reimagining Energy and Vehicles (REV Illinois) program, Damera Bus USA LLC will lease a facility in Peoria, Illinois for assembling, testing, and servicing zero-emission buses such as the Karsan eJEST.

Damera COO Roger D'Hollander mentioned the importance of the local support the company has experienced, and credited Congressman Darin LaHood and Team Illinois for helping to get the deal finalized.

This investment not only strengthens the local economy but also creates hundreds of new opportunities for the community -Damera COO Roger D’Hollander

Illinois has seen a big migration of EV and clean energy companies to the area, including Rivian and Avina Clean Hydrogen.

With competitive incentives, infrastructure, and a skilled workforce, Illinois was recently ranked 2nd in the U.S. for corporate expansion, according to Site Selection Magazine.