WASHINGTON (WAND) - Governor JB Pritzker, in collaboration with Damera Corporation and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), has announced the opening of Damera's first U.S. assembly plant in the Greater Peoria region.
The company intends to invest more than $31.5 million over the next four years, supported by the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement.
This expansion is projected to create 90 new full-time jobs. The announcement was made in Washington, D.C., during a recent business development trip.
“Over the past six years, Illinois has pushed to solidify our status as a hub of the EV future – and put our shoulder to the wheel to get that vision off the ground and on the road,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
Damera Corporation, a Canadian transit solutions provider, is the exclusive North American distributor of the Karsan eJEST, a zero-emission minibus with a capacity of 19 passengers and a range of 130 miles. Damera Bus USA LLC has leased a facility in the Peoria region to sell, service, and assemble electric transit buses, including the eJEST.
The facility will feature assembly lines, testing zones, and specialized areas for battery assembly and charging infrastructure.
“As we continue to expand Damera Bus USA LLC’s presence in the United States, our commitment to fostering long-term growth and job creation in the Peoria area remains unwavering. This investment not only strengthens the local economy but also creates hundreds of new opportunities for the community. We are proud to contribute to a vibrant workforce and are deeply committed to supporting the economic prosperity of the region,” said Roger D’Hollander, Chief Operating Officer of Damera.
The company met with Team Illinois at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in 2024. This annual event provides state and local economic development teams the opportunity to network directly with international companies that are considering expanding or relocating to the U.S.
“Illinois continues to attract global leaders in clean energy and advanced manufacturing thanks to our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and bold vision for a sustainable future,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Damera’s decision to establish their first U.S. assembly plant in Peoria is a testament our strategic investments through REV Illinois, and it marks another step toward cultivating a greener economy for all Illinoisans.”
Governor Pritzker has set a goal for Illinois to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030 and to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
A link to the full Damera Bus USA LLC agreement can be found here.
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