Lion Electric acquires production facility, Illinois
by CM Staff
The manufacturing facility has an expected annual production capacity of up to 20,000 vehicles per year. The company said it also expects to add up to 1,400 clean energy jobs in the region over the next four years.
MONTREAL — The Lion Electric Company has taken possession of its upcoming production facility in Joliet, Ill.
The company stated that tenant improvement work is ongoing and Lion Electric will begin the installation of critical equipment and expects the first vehicles to come off the production line in the second half of 2022.
Lion Electric also stated that the manufacturing facility has an expected annual production capacity of up to 20,000 vehicles per year. The company said it also expects to add up to 1,400 clean energy jobs in the region over the next four years.
Lion also announced the hiring of two new positions.
Richard Coulombe has been named Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. In this new role, Mr. Coulombe will be responsible for Lion’s growth and strategic initiatives, with a primary focus on major upcoming projects including the Joliet, Ill. manufacturing facility and the Lion Campus in Mirabel, Que. Lion Electric stated that he will coordinate with all departments to ensure that Lion’s strategic governance plan is consistent with the company’s growth.
The company stated that Mr. Coulombe’s experience spans over 25 years in international public organizations within the transportation technology sector, having previously held executive positions at Alstom, Bombardier Transportation and Pratt & Whitney.
Additionally, Eric Pansegrau is joining the company and will serve as General Manager at the Joliet Plant where he will be responsible for establishing operational structures, implementing manufacturing, distribution, quality control and inventory standards and processes, and overseeing ongoing daily operations.
According to the company, Mr. Pansegrau brings over 25 years of operational experience in the automotive sector, including medium and heavy-duty vehicle components manufacturing, having most recently served as Vice President of Operations for the Wheel End Division at Accuride.
“2022 is set to be the biggest year yet for Lion, with major projects underway, and Lion continues to remain on schedule to begin production in the United States in 2022. Our production from the Joliet plant will support the national demand for zero-emission electric school buses, paratransit buses and trucks ranging from Class 5 to Class 8,” said Marc Bedard, CEO and Founder, Lion Electric in a statement.
“I am pleased to welcome Richard and Eric to the company, and we look forward to continuing the build out and equipment installation in Joliet throughout the year as we prepare for production to come on-line.”
