PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Gov. JB Pritzker said a zero-emission electric bus company will open a manufacturing plant in the Greater Peoria Area — the first for the company within the country — that will create 90 jobs.
Damera Corporation, a Canadian transit solutions provider, plans to open its first U.S. assembly plant and invest more than $31.5 million over the next four years to expand into Illinois and create 90 new full-time jobs, 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,” he said.
“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,” the governor said. “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.”
Damera is the only company in North America that sells the Karsan eJEST, which is a zero-emission minibus that can carry up to 19 people and can drive for up to 130 miles, he said.
Damera signed a lease here to sell and service these mini buses and to establish their assembly plant which will have assembly lines, testing areas, quality control and administrative offices. It will also house infrastructure for the batteries, including assembly and charging infrastructure.
“Today marks a milestone for Peoria and Illinois,” said Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton. “Investments like this from the Damera Corporation are a testament to the kind of economy we are building here in Illinois; one that provides opportunity to all corners of our state and builds towards a sustainable future.”
Damera met with “Team Illinois” at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in 2024, which allows the state and local economic teams to talk with companies who are thinking of relocating to the U.S. and allow them to network, Pritzker said.
“Damera’s decision to be in Illinois for its first U.S. assembly base is a reflection of our state’s strong electric vehicle sector. Intersect exists to ensure companies like Damera can find a home in our welcoming state,” said Intersect Illinois President and CEO Christy George. “Illinois is committed to remaining a leader in clean energy, so we welcome the role international innovators like Damera play in providing sustainable solutions and expanding economic opportunities for Illinoisians.”
This comes in wake of Pritzker’s goal of 1 million electric vehicles on the road in Illinois by 2030 and his net-zero greenhouse gas by 2050, the governor’s office said.
While an exact location of the plant was not given, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities website has it listed as going in Peoria County.
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