Hyundai Translead is expanding its trailer manufacturing to the U.S. with two facilities in Will County, Illinois, southwest of Chicago.

The company made the announcement during the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting in Nashville, where it also unveiled a 10-year dry van trailer, a new refrigerated body, and new smart trailer features.

While one might think that the current uncertainty in world trade might have affected the decision by the Korea-based company, officials said the expansion reflects a deliberate, long-term strategy.

The $450 million investment will increase the company’s annual capacity as it works on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and proximity to customers. Officials said the move is aligned with Hyundai’s commitment to U.S. investment and job creation.

Hyundai Translead's New U.S. Manufacturing

The two sites will extend across 52 acres along the Des Plaines River. One site was formerly home to Caterpillar’s heavy equipment operations, which closed in 2019. The other was formerly an electric-school-bus factory for Lion Electric that closed in 2024.

The new production sites will enhance logistics capabilities and product delivery, according to the company. They will do this by reducing landed costs, lead times, and leveraging a growing dealer network.

They will also enable future product line diversification. Both locations offer capacity for future expansion.

Hyundai Translead plans to retrofit the buildings to begin producing dry and refrigerated trailers by 2027.

Hyundai Translead is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, a global automotive company headquartered in South Korea.

It is a North American manufacturer of transportation equipment, including dry and refrigerated van trailers, flatbeds, truck bodies, and dollies, through its manufacturing facilities in Mexico, established a decade ago.