Read the official Press Release

"Governor JB Pritzker, Damera Corporation and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the company will open its first U.S. assembly plant in the Greater Peoria region".

Read the full text of the press release on the Governor's Website.

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Governor Pritzker has set a bold state target of putting one million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050—goals that Damera proudly supports through its investment in clean mobility and contributions to regional sustainability efforts.

Damera Corporation, with support from the REV Illinois program, will invest over $31.5 million to open its first U.S. assembly plant in the Greater Peoria region—creating 90 full-time jobs. The announcement was made in Washington, DC.

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The state’s commitment to clean energy and transportation, combined with its central location and collaborative business environment, make it an ideal partner for scaling the future of zero-emission transit across North America.

The facility will serve as a hub for sales, service, and the assembly of electric Karsan eJEST buses. Designed for flexibility, efficiency, and accessibility, the eJEST is already delivering measurable improvements in transit systems—particularly in suburban and underserved areas—where its compact footprint, quiet performance, and low operating costs are driving increased ridership and greater community satisfaction.

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Roger D’Hollander, Chief Operating Officer of Damera, stated:

“As we expand Damera Bus USA LLC’s presence in the United States, our commitment to long-term growth and job creation in the Peoria area remains strong. This investment not only boosts the local economy but also opens the door to hundreds of new opportunities within the community. We’re proud to help build a vibrant workforce and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.

This initiative also directly supports our BAA waiver application, which is essential to our broader U.S. expansion and aligns with our long-term vision for sustainable, electric mobility. We extend our sincere thanks to Congressman LaHood and his office for their valuable support in making this project a success. We’re truly excited about the positive impact this partnership will bring to Peoria County, the state of Illinois, and the future of green transportation in North America.”

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Governor JB Pritzker stated:

"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."

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Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said:

"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."

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Director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO ) Kristin Richards acknowledged:

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Illinois continues to attract global leaders in clean energy and advanced manufacturing thanks to our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and bold vision for a sustainable future Damera’s decision to establish their first U.S. assembly plant in Peoria is a testament our strategic investments through REV Illinois, and it marks another step toward cultivating a greener economy for all Illinoisans.”

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Intersect Illinois President and CEO Christy George welcomed Damera:
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"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 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.”

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Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Region Economic Development Corporation:

"The Damera team have been great partners in this process from the very beginning. We are happy that they chose the Greater Peoria region to be their first location in our country, and we look forward to helping them grow in the community and be another successful business calling the Greater Peoria region home."

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Beyond the Press Release

While not included in the official press release, we are deeply grateful for the thoughtful words and support shared by our partners during SelectUSA Summit 2025. Their reflections speak to the collaborative journey that brought this project to life and the shared commitment to clean energy and innovation in Illinois. We’re proud to have built such strong relationships with leaders across Illinois and look forward to what we can achieve together in the next chapter of clean mobility.

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Cathriona Fey (VP of Clean Energy Production & Manufacturing, Intersect Illinois)

This has been a company Lisa Clemmons Stott and I believed would be a great addition to the EV and Clean Energy ecosystem in Illinois since meeting Sumit Chakraborty CPA, CA just a year ago here in DC at SelectUSA. It’s been a year of collaboration with our TeamIllinois partners. Special thanks to Christopher Setti from the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council for his continued partnership and support.
Excited to watch this company grow in Central Illinois.

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Lisa Clemmons Stott, Electric Mobility and Innovation Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

At the 2024 SelectUSA, I was walking through the hotel lobby to my next meeting and awkwardly got in the way of someone, who also looked familiar to me. "Do we know each other?" I asked, but we didn't. We quickly discovered we had mutual goals, though, as he was at a Canadian electric transitbus organization, and I was looking for EV companies to join Illinois' ecosystem! Well, I introduced him to my colleague Cathriona Fey and over the past year, she and I have grown a wonderful relationship with Sumit Chakraborty CPA, CA and his COO Roger D'Hollander, which resulted in this morning's announcement with Governor JB Pritzker that Damera Corporation's first US assembly plant will be located in Greater Peoria. Also thanks to Christopher Setti, Mark Denzler and Congressman Darin Lahood and his office, plus the REV team Agnes Masnik and Lexie King for your work with this fabulous company.

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With collaboration, purpose, and bold investment, we move closer to a future where sustainable transit isn’t a goal—it’s the standard. Together, we’re not only advancing electric transit — we’re contributing to a cleaner planet, stronger communities, and a better future for all. Thankful to all our partners! Excited to keep moving forward with purpose.

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