By Dean Seal


Battery maker Gotion High-Tech plans to open a $2 billion lithium battery plant in Manteno, Ill.

State officials in Illinois and Gotion executives said Friday production at the plant is expected to start in 2024.

The plant is expected to create 2,600 jobs that will pay above the average wage for similar jobs in the area.

This is the largest investment in Illinois' electric-vehicle battery production to date and the most significant manufacturing investment in the state in decades, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office.

The agreement between the state and Gotion, which is headquartered in China, calls for the establishment of a manufacturing training academy. The state will also offer grants to workforce providers to train and prepare regional employees for the open positions.


Write to Dean Seal at dean.seal@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

09-08-23 1802ET