Hyundai Translead to invest $450M, create nearly 2,500 jobs in Will County (Will County, IL) – Illinois officials on March 16 announced a major manufacturing investment that is expected to bring nearly 2,500 full-time jobs to the state, as Hyundai Translead plans to establish new production facilities in Will County.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined company leaders to unveil the project, which includes a roughly $450 million investment and the redevelopment of two նախկին industrial sites. The facilities will be located at the former Caterpillar heavy equipment site and the previous Lion Electric property, returning both locations to active manufacturing use.
State officials framed the announcement as a significant win for Illinois’ economy and a signal of continued momentum in attracting large-scale employers.
“We are proud to welcome Hyundai Translead to Illinois as a new manufacturer in our state,” Pritzker said. “This investment represents a long-term commitment that will create 2,500 new jobs and opportunities for working families in Will County and beyond.”
Hyundai Translead, a subsidiary of South Korea-based Hyundai Motor Company, manufactures commercial transportation equipment, including dry and refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, and truck bodies. The company said the Illinois expansion has been years in the making and is aimed at strengthening its North American production footprint.
Chief Executive Officer Sean Kenney said the move reflects confidence in Illinois’ workforce and business climate.
“Our expansion to Illinois represents years of planning and a shared vision for long-term growth,” Kenney said. “We’re proud to work alongside state and local leaders to create meaningful economic opportunities while expanding our manufacturing footprint.”
The project is expected to create at least 2,475 jobs under a state incentive agreement and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the regional economy. It also marks one of the largest manufacturing developments announced in Illinois this year.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton called the investment a “powerful vote of confidence” in the state, highlighting its potential to deliver good-paying jobs and expand opportunity in the region.
Local leaders emphasized the impact on Will County, where the new facilities are expected to boost economic activity and reinforce the area’s role as a manufacturing hub.
Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant described the project as “transformational,” noting it will generate careers and significant capital investment while strengthening the county’s fast-growing economy.
State lawmakers also praised the announcement, with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch pointing to the deal as evidence that Illinois remains competitive in attracting major employers.
The investment is supported in part by Illinois’ Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, a key incentive tool used to attract and retain businesses. State officials said companies participating in EDGE have already committed to more than 3,200 jobs in 2026, surpassing totals from the previous year.
Economic development leaders say Illinois’ central location, transportation infrastructure, and skilled workforce continue to draw global manufacturers. Recent projects from companies such as Tangent Technologies, DMG MORI, and CSL have added to that momentum.
Hyundai Translead’s arrival also brings workforce development opportunities, with Joliet Junior College planning to expand training programs in fields such as welding, industrial maintenance, HVAC, and electrical systems to meet anticipated demand.
The governor’s office noted that Illinois has ranked near the top nationally for corporate expansions and relocations in recent years, with the Chicago area continuing to lead major metropolitan regions.
Hyundai Translead’s facilities are expected to further solidify Will County’s position as a key center for logistics and advanced manufacturing, while providing a substantial boost to the state’s ongoing economic development efforts.
Hyundai Translead to invest $450M, create nearly 2,500 jobs in Will County
