ZM Trucks to open its first U.S. automotive manufacturing facility in California
ZM Trucks has announced plans to open its first North American manufacturing plant in Fontana, California. The company, which is a subsidiary of ZO Motors and specializes in zero-emissions commercial trucks, will also relocate its regional headquarters to the Fontana facility. The 210,000-square-foot factory, which sits on 9.67 acres of land, will support the production of a diverse portfolio of zero-emission products, including electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors, and airport ground service equipment. Production at the new plant is expected to begin in the first half of 2025.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Joost de Vries, CEO of ZO Motors, said, "Our new Fontana facility reflects ZO Motors' commitment to the U.S. market and sustainable innovation. This expansion allows us to deliver zero-emission solutions that lower total cost of ownership and drive long-term value for our customers."
Manufacturers investing in California
Bosch receives $225M to manufacture silicon carbide power semiconductors at its California facility
The project is expected to increase the company’s production capacity and create 700 new jobs for the surrounding area.
Sepion Technologies receives $17.5M grant to open battery separator manufacturing facility in California
Production at the new facility is expected to begin in 2027.
ElectricFish unveils EV charging solution manufacturing facility in California
To help support the project, ElectricFish received a $1.69 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC).
Investing in American manufacturing in 2025
This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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