Hyundai Translead to Bring 2,500 Jobs to Illinois

Governor Pritzker announces $450 million investment and new trailer manufacturing facilities in Will County

Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:51am

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Governor JB Pritzker and Hyundai Translead announced that the company will establish new trailer manufacturing facilities in Illinois, creating nearly 2,500 new full-time jobs in the state. Hyundai Translead, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, will invest $450 million to expand its manufacturing footprint and better serve its customers with industry-leading commercial transportation products.

Why it matters

This investment represents a long-term commitment to Illinois and will create thousands of new jobs and economic opportunities for working families in Will County and beyond. It further solidifies Illinois' position as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing companies looking to expand their operations.

The details

Hyundai Translead's new facilities in Illinois will be located on the former sites of Caterpillar's heavy equipment operations and the previous Lion Electric operation site in Will County. The company plans to focus on expanding its manufacturing of dry and refrigerated van trailers, flatbeds, truck bodies, and dollies to better serve its customers.

  • The announcement was made on March 17, 2026.
  • Hyundai Translead plans to begin operations at the new facilities in 2026.

The players

Governor JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who announced the Hyundai Translead investment.

Sean Kenney

The Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Translead.

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton

The Lieutenant Governor of Illinois who praised the investment as a powerful vote of confidence in Illinois and its workforce.

Kristin Richards

The Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant

The Will County Executive who said the investment will be transformational for the local economy.

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What they’re saying

“We are proud to welcome Hyundai Translead to Illinois as a new manufacturer in our state. This investment represents a long-term commitment that will create 2,500 new jobs and opportunities for working families in Will County and beyond.”

— Governor JB Pritzker

“Our expansion to Illinois represents years of planning and a shared vision for long-term growth. This investment reflects our confidence and commitment to building products, workforce development, and partnerships that endure.”

— Sean Kenney, Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Translead

“Hyundai Translead's investment is a powerful vote of confidence in Illinois and in the strength of our workforce. This investment creates good-paying jobs, drives economic growth, and opens new doors of opportunity for communities across our state — all while reinforcing our position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.”

— Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton

“Through our EDGE program and collaboration with state and local leaders, we are delivering the workforce, infrastructure, and business climate companies need to grow here in Illinois. This investment will generate high-quality jobs, expand opportunity for families in Will County and beyond, and further accelerate Illinois' momentum as a top destination for advanced manufacturing and global investment.”

— Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

“This historic investment by Hyundai Translead will be transformational for the Will County economy. This production facility will generate local careers, inject significant capital investments into our local economy, and solidify our status as a national manufacturing hub and the fastest growing economy in Illinois.”

— Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive

What’s next

The state and local governments will work with Hyundai Translead to finalize the incentive package and prepare the sites for the new manufacturing facilities.

The takeaway

This major investment by Hyundai Translead demonstrates Illinois' continued success in attracting advanced manufacturing companies and creating high-quality jobs for its residents. It solidifies the state's position as a premier destination for businesses looking to expand their operations.