Illinois is making history as the first U.S. state to welcome Lion Electric Company, a Canada-based company manufacturing zero-emission vehicles. The company will construct its first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility in Joliet, which is set to produce all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles.

The 900,000-square-foot facility is expected to add a minimum of 745 clean energy jobs to the region over the next three years, with an annual production capacity of up to 20,000 all-electric buses and trucks. As schools and government operations look to decarbonize their fleets, the Lion facility will play a crucial role in meeting those demands.

Will County and the Joliet area have a rich history of manufacturing, which has brought jobs and a strong local supply chain to the region.

The new Lion manufacturing facility will be the largest dedicated production site for zero-emission buses and trucks and will play a large role in meeting the increasing demand for eco-friendly “Made-in-America” vehicles.

Illinois continues to play an important role in moving the region and the country forward in the growth of both jobs and clean energy vehicle options.