The Lion Electric Company reached a key milestone with its new production plant in Joliet, Illinois--a suburb of Chicago. The company took possession of its upcoming production facility today.

According to a release from Lion Electric, tenant improvement work is ongoing. The company will begin the installation of critical equipment soon, and expects the first vehicles to come off the production line in the second half of 2022.

The manufacturing facility, which was announced last year, will represent the largest dedicated production site for zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles in the U.S. upon its completion, with an expected annual production capacity of up to 20,000 vehicles per year, which will include electric school buses. The facility is expected to add up to 1,400 clean energy jobs in the region over the next four years.

Lion also announced two new key leadership positions were filled. Richard Coulombe was named Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. He will be responsible for leading Lion’s growth and strategic initiatives, with a primary focus on major upcoming projects including the Joliet manufacturing facility and the Lion Campus, which includes the battery manufacturing plant and innovation center in Quebec. 

Eric Pansegrau is joining the company and will serve as General Manager for the Joliet Plant. He will be responsible for establishing operational structures, implementing manufacturing, distribution, quality control and inventory standards and processes, and overseeing ongoing daily operations.