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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

South Korea-Based Hyundai Translead Plans Will County, Illinois, Manufacturing Operations

04/07/2026
Trailer manufacturer Hyundai Translead plans to establish operations in Will County, Illinois. The $450 million project is expected to create nearly 2,500 jobs.

The company’s new manufacturing facilities, located on the former sites of Caterpillar’s and Lion Electric, will increase production of dry and refrigerated van trailers, flatbeds, truck bodies, and dollies.

“Our expansion to Illinois represents years of planning and a shared vision for long-term growth,” said Sean Kenney, Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Translead. “This investment reflects our confidence and commitment to building products, workforce development, and partnerships that endure. We’re proud to work alongside state and local leaders to create meaningful economic opportunities while expanding our manufacturing footprint that serves our customers and communities.”

To support the project, Hyundai Translead will participate in the state’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, which provides tax incentives tied to job creation and investment.

“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,” noted Kristin Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). “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.”

Hyundai Translead is a manufacturer of commercial vehicle trailers and related equipment, including dry vans, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, and chassis. A subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, the company serves transportation and logistics companies across North America.

“Illinois offers fundamental advantages, like unrivaled connectivity and a skilled workforce—that have long made it a center for American manufacturing. Hyundai Translead is building on that legacy with a transformative project that will create thousands of good-paying jobs and opportunities,” added Christy George, Illinois EDC president and CEO. “Illinois EDC is proud to have worked with our Team Illinois partners on a project that will have such a profound impact, and that proves businesses want to be in Illinois.” 

“Hyundai Translead represents a major investment in the future of our community and a powerful signal of continued manufacturing job growth in Will County. Seeing these two facilities return to productive manufacturing use is especially meaningful. We are grateful to the team at Hyundai Translead for being thoughtful and collaborative throughout this process, and to our local partners and community leaders whose support helped make this investment possible. We look forward to the long-term economic opportunity this project will bring,” said Doug Pryor, President and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development.

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