TCCI Manufacturing has expanded electric vehicle component production at a newly launched Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur, Illinois. The company, which manufactures thermal management solutions for the automotive industry, invested more than $20 million to upgrade its facility, resulting in the creation of 50 new jobs. 

The 260,000-square-foot facility will house TCCI’s EV compressor production line and serve as a collaborative center for clean energy workforce training and applied research. The hub integrates three major components: a compressor production line, the Clean Energy Workforce Academy, and the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research. 

The production line will soon begin manufacturing electric vehicle compressors in the U.S., strengthening domestic supply chains. The Clean Energy Workforce Academy, in partnership with Richland Community College, will launch in the fall and provide immersive training in clean energy technologies. Meanwhile, the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research, expected to open in 2026, will enable real-world testing and development of sustainable thermal management systems and natural refrigerant technologies. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is supporting the research center’s expansion with a $650,000 matching grant. This funding will help develop enhanced testing capabilities to accelerate clean technology development and train the next generation of workers in HVAC and refrigerant system innovation. 

What people are saying 

In a recent quote, Richard Demirjian, president, TCCI Manufacturing, said, “Our opening marks a pivotal step forward in Illinois' clean energy leadership and reflects the power of collaboration in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy. We're proud to be onshoring critical thermal management technology development to the United States, while supporting workforce development, and building a global hub for research and innovation.” 

JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, added, “From workforce development to innovation to manufacturing expansion, we are building an engine of opportunity. That starts with strategic projects like the Clean Energy Innovation Hub. This has been years in the making, and it took collaboration to get here — collaboration between a company committed to Illinois, a state government and General Assembly committed to building an ecosystem for innovation to thrive, city government partners that understand what job growth means for its residents, and higher education that produces the highest quality workforce in the nation. Illinois is turning the page to grow good jobs, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities.” 

Manufacturers investing in Illinois 

Switched Source to expand Phase-EQ manufacturing facility in Illinois 
The new 20,000-square-foot facility will increase production capacity by 150% and help meet growing electrification demands. 

S&C opens new Illinois plant to manufacture grid-resilience technologies
The facility will produce circuit-switchers, devices that protect transmission substation transformers, and other grid-hardening equipment.

Invenergy begins construction on $30 million clean energy training and manufacturing facility in Illinois 
The new 135,000-square-foot plant will feature a machine shop, central warehouse, training center and learning lab.

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.