Now It's 3,750 New Jobs For Joliet: Governor Pritzker Updates March Press Release With His Re-Election Near

JOLIET, IL — One day before the March primary elections, Governor JB Pritzker issued a press release revealing that the shuttered Lion Electric facility in Joliet that previously made electric school buses was turning into a Hyundai Translead manufacturing plant bringing 2,500 jobs to Joliet and Will County.

On March 16, Pritzker announced that Hyundai Translead's two facilities will be located on the former sites of Caterpillar’s heavy equipment operations and the previous Lion Electric operation site. “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 remarked in his March 16 press release. “Illinois will keep attracting major industries and job creators that are transformational for our economy and the communities and hardworking Illinoisans who power them."

Fast forward to Thursday morning.

With the governor's election nearing against Republican challenger Darren Bailey, Pritzker issued a new press release, this time suggesting the total number of jobs will be 3,750.

"Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that Hyundai Translead is expanding its planned investment in Will County – creating a total of 3,750 new full-time jobs and investing $600 million," Thursday's press release noted. "Since announcing its decision to establish an Illinois manufacturing presence in March 2026, Hyundai Translead has decided to add a third shift in order to meet growing demand. To support the project and provide opportunities for Illinoisans to train in advanced manufacturing, the State is also investing in a new Manufacturing Training Academy at Joliet Junior College. ​ ​

“Hyundai Translead’s expanded investment is yet another vote of confidence in Illinois, our workers, and our strength as a manufacturing hub,” Pritzker announced Thursday. “Creating 3,750 new jobs is transformational for the region and builds on our state’s manufacturing momentum. Through our investment in Joliet Junior College, we’re expanding training opportunities for Illinoisans in advanced manufacturing while bolstering our world-class workforce.” ​

Expanding Manufacturing in Will County

According to the governor's announcement from Thursday, Hyundai Translead’s two Will County facilities will bring new manufacturing operations to the former sites of Caterpillar’s heavy equipment operations and Lion Electric’s electric bus operations. A subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Translead, manufactures transportation equipment, including dry and refrigerated van trailers, flatbeds, truck bodies, and dollies. The company’s new facilities in Illinois will focus on expanding its manufacturing footprint to better serve its customers with industry-leading commercial transportation products. ​

As part of a comprehensive incentive package, Hyundai Translead is part of the EDGE program. So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating 6,000 new jobs and nearly $2.8 billion in investments.

“Manufacturing has long been an important part of Joliet’s economy, and Hyundai Translead’s growing investment is a tremendous vote of confidence in our city and its workforce,” said Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy. “We’re proud to welcome this continued investment in Joliet, bringing new employment opportunities for our residents and strengthening our city’s position as a destination for advanced manufacturing.”