Gov. Pritzker Announces Hyundai Translead To Create 3,750 New Jobs In Will County
Announcement represents largest single Illinois job creation commitment for manufacturing in recent history
JOLIET – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) 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. 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 (MTA) at Joliet Junior College (JJC).
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“Hyundai Translead’s expanded investment is yet another vote of confidence in Illinois, our workers, and our strength as a manufacturing hub,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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 our planned investment reflects our confidence in Illinois, its workforce, and the long-term growth of our U.S. operations,” said Sean Kenney, CEO of Hyundai Translead. “This increased commitment will create more opportunities for working families, strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, and enhance our ability to serve customers. We appreciate the continued partnership of state and local leaders in advancing this important project.”
“Hyundai Translead's additional third shift is a sign to all manufacturers that investing in Illinois communities is a reliable choice,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Will County is home to a world-class workforce with state-of-the-art infrastructure; this investment continues to open employment opportunities right here at home.”
Expanding Manufacturing in Will County
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.
“Hyundai Translead’s expanded investment is a significant commitment to Illinois and to the skilled workforce that drives our manufacturing industry forward,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This project is creating meaningful economic opportunities for Will County and the surrounding region while strengthening Illinois’ position as a destination for advanced manufacturing.”
“Hyundai Translead's decision to expand its investment just seven months after choosing Illinois speaks volumes about the strength of our manufacturing ecosystem,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “From our transportation infrastructure and customer access to our workforce and economic development partnerships, Illinois offers manufacturers what they need to succeed and grow. Illinois EDC was proud to help bring Hyundai Translead to our state, and we're equally proud to support the company's growth.”
Preparing Illinoisans for Manufacturing Careers
To support Hyundai Translead’s investment in Will County, a new Manufacturing Training Academy (MTA) at Joliet Junior College (JJC) is being established to strengthen the regional workforce development pipeline, equip Illinoisans with the skills needed for in-demand manufacturing careers, and help ensure the state’s growing manufacturing industry continues to have access to a highly skilled workforce.
The MTA will expand JJC’s ability to train industrial maintenance and advanced manufacturing technicians in addition to doubling their welding capacity. The State’s strategic investment in this advanced manufacturing MTA at JJC builds on previously announced manufacturing training academies being developed around the state to prepare Illinoisans for good-paying careers in manufacturing.
“Governor Pritzker’s investment in Joliet Junior College’s Manufacturing Training Academy will open doors to meaningful careers and prepare the skilled workforce that Hyundai Translead needs to thrive,” said Joliet Junior College President Dr. Clyne G. H. Namuo. “We intend to honor our partners’ confidence in JJC through the students we prepare, the employers we support, and the opportunities we create for generations to come.”
“Will County is at the center of growth for jobs and manufacturing in Illinois and the Midwest,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “This investment by Hyundai Translead will be transformational for our region, creating quality employment opportunities close to home for our residents. I appreciate them choosing Will County and the partnerships that made this opportunity possible.”
Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker has prioritized attracting major job creators to the state to expand opportunities for Illinois’ working families. Hyundai Translead’s investment further solidifies the state as a premier destination to locate or expand a business, with its robust infrastructure, strategic location, and top-ranked workforce – reinforcing why Site Selection Magazine has named Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocations for four years in a row.
“Hyundai’s $600 million investment in Will County is another exciting example of cutting-edge innovation and 21st Century manufacturing finding a home in Illinois. And with that, Illinois workers will find opportunity, communities will find growth and development, and we’ll continue to see the economy of the future built right here in Illinois,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “This advancement was made possible by budgets that rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house while also building for the future. By our commitment to education and workforce training. By our investment in world-class infrastructure. And by business leaders the world over who share that vision of what we’re building here in Illinois.”
“This investment reflects confidence in Illinois and the opportunities our state offers businesses to build and grow,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This project will create thousands of jobs for Illinois workers and build on Will County’s proud manufacturing tradition. It’s a great example of what we can accomplish when state and local partners work together to turn opportunity into lasting economic growth.”
“Joliet is the heartbeat of industry in Will County and the state of Illinois, and this new Hyundai Translead facility will bring jobs and bolster economic growth in the 43rd District and surrounding communities,” said State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet). “This investment proves we are a premier manufacturing destination and demonstrates a commitment to fostering relationships that promote economic development in our communities.”
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.”
“Today’s announcement by Hyundai Translead shows once again that Illinois is a manufacturing powerhouse. This significant investment will create thousands of great manufacturing jobs in Will County because of our advantages,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “Illinois’ best-in-class workforce, central location, access to water and transportation infrastructure ensure that we will continue to attract the next generation of advanced manufacturers.”
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