Governor Pritzker Announces $334 Million Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant from the US Department of Energy

CHICAGO—Today Governor JB Pritzker announced Stellantis’ Belvidere plant as the recipient of $334 million in federal funding through the United States Department of Energy’s Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program. This marks a major milestone in the mission to reopen the Belvidere assembly plant. ​

“For nearly two years we have been intensely focused on creating an environment in the state for the successful return of the Stellantis plant in Belvidere,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Because of this funding and the work we’ve done to make Illinois an EV manufacturing hub, this facility will make our state’s clean energy economy stronger than ever before. I am deeply thankful to our partners in the federal government for recognizing our work, awarding us this critical funding, and joining us in our mission to create 21^st century jobs in our state.”

"The restarting of the Belvidere Assembly Plant is a win for our state, our economy, and union workers. ​ With additional buy-in from the federal government in the form a $334 million award from the Inflation Reduction Act, Belvidere will play a critical role in Illinois' electric vehicle revolution," said Senator Dick Durbin. ​ "I'll continue to work with state partners to bring home federal dollars to support this important industry to Illinois."

“It’s clear Illinois is a leader in manufacturing and EV technology, and I’m so pleased to see this federal support coming to our state to reimagine the Belvidere facility,” said Senator Tammy Duckworth. “The future of manufacturing doesn’t mean fewer workers, the future of manufacturing depends on the power of our workforce. With this investment we’re making clear that we can grow jobs in our state while transitioning to a cleaner, greener future, and I’ll keep doing everything I can to bring more federal support back home to Illinois.”

"From the moment the Belvidere Assembly Plant was idled in early 2023, I’ve worked closely with Governor Pritzker and leaders from all levels of government to find a way to get the plant back online and get workers back on the job,” said Representative Bill Foster. “After the UAW secured a commitment from Stellantis to reopen the plant, one of my top priorities was ensuring the assembly plant qualified for all possible federal incentives to secure a bright economic future for Belvidere. In Congress, I was proud to help fund the Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grant, which will create 1,500 good-paying UAW jobs, guarantee Illinois' position as a leader in the clean energy economy and, most importantly, ensure the assembly plant remains the beating heart of the Belvidere community for generations to come."

“Getting the Belvidere Stellantis plant up and running again has been a top priority of mine since coming to Congress,” said Representative Eric Sorenson. “This Domestic Auto Manufacturing Conversion Grant helps transition the plant to become an electric vehicle manufacturing facility so we can create good-paying, union jobs while we invest in a clean energy future. I am grateful to Governor Pritzker for helping us secure this important funding that will help strengthen the local economy and make Northern Illinois a better place to live, work, and start and family." 

This funding follows years of efforts by Governor Pritzker and the Biden administration to bring this facility back online and is a key part of our commitment to a continued widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles.

In addition to the reopening of the Belvidere assembly plant, Governor Pritzker has secured agreements from Gotion to build electric vehicle (EV) battery gigafactory in Manteno – which represents the largest manufacturing investment in decades and the largest EV battery investment to date, as well as REV agreements with Manner Polymers in Mt. Vernon, who is building a first-of-its kind solar-powered PVC compounding plant using clean energy generated on-site; Prysmian Group in Du Quoin, whose $64 million expansion will manufacture cables for the renewable energy and electric vehicle sector; and Rivian, which has invested over $2 billion in Normal and produced over 100,000 vehicles since production began in 2021.

So far, the state has set aggressive goals of 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030, invested in charging infrastructure, offered unique incentives for manufacturers to build facilities, train workers, and create thousands of 21st century jobs. Thanks to the Governor’s efforts, in partnership with federal partners in the Biden administration, Congress, and the Illinois General Assembly and a wide range of stakeholders, Illinois is securing its place as a leading manufacturing state for electric vehicles and suppliers.

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