The Damera Corporation has announced that it will open its first United States assembly plant in the Greater Peoria region of Illinois.
The announcement, which was made in conjunction with Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will see the Damera Corporation (Damera Bus USA LLC in the US) invest more than 31.5 million USD into the construction of a plant in Illinois over the course of four years, which will in turn create 90 new full-time jobs.
Roger D'Hollander, Chief Operating Officer of Damera, said: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.
This investment aligns directly with the BAA waiver application we have put forward that will facilitate our expansion in the US and help reinforce our long-term vision for the future. We would also like to thank Congressman LaHood and his office for their support of this effort and for playing a crucial role in ensuring its success.
We are excited about the positive impact this partnership will have on the local economy, the creation of sustainable jobs, and the continued growth of Peoria County and the state of Illinois.
The exclusive North American distributor of the Karsan eJest zero-emission minibus (ZEB), the Canadian transit solutions provider (Damera) has subsequently leased a facility within the greater Peoria region to both sell and service new eJest units as well as establish their first US transit electric bus assembly plant.
The new facility will feature full assembly lines, testing zones, storage, quality control stations and administrative offices, as well as specialised areas for battery assembly, charging infrastructure and future sustainability initiatives.
Governor JB Pritzker said: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.
With this investment of more than $31.5 million-supported by state incentives-Damera will expand into our state and create 90 new full-time jobs.
Through our competitive incentive programs, workforce development, and other business attraction efforts, the state is bringing in companies like Damera that not only create jobs and opportunity for our people, but commit themselves to our communities.
Governor Pritzker has established a state-wide goal to put 1 million electric vehicles on the streets of Illinois by 2030, with a wider goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Damera are the latest in a recent spate of companies choosing to establish facilities in the state due to its mounting clean energy credentials following moves by companies such as Rivian, Avina Clean Hydrogen and Wieland North America to the area.
