Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement for $345 Million Hyundai Translead Project

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Board has authorized an agreement of intent to abate taxes for a massive $345 million manufacturing project by Hyundai Translead that promises to bring nearly 2,500 jobs to the Joliet and Channahon area.

Hyundai Translead Project Key Points:

• The board approved Resolution #26-060, authorizing a 5-year, 50% property tax abatement.

• The project, originally referred to under the pseudonym “Project Northwinds,” was officially amended on the floor to name Hyundai Translead as the developer.

• The company plans to invest $345,157,238 to construct a trailer equipment manufacturing facility across two sites in Joliet and Channahon.

• The development is expected to generate 2,475 new full-time equivalent jobs over three years.

The Will County Board on Thursday, March 19, 2026, officially approved a tax abatement agreement to bring a massive transportation manufacturing operation to the region, promising thousands of new jobs.

The board voted overwhelmingly to approve Resolution #26-060, an agreement of intent to abate taxes for a project originally listed on the agenda as “Project Northwinds.” Prior to the vote, County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne withdrew the original motion and submitted an amended resolution identifying the true name of the company as Hyundai Translead.

According to the project overview provided by the Will County Center for Economic Development in the agenda packet, Hyundai Translead is contemplating a new production facility that will focus on truck trailer manufacturing, including dry and refrigerated van trailers, flatbeds, chassis, dollies, and truck bodies.

The project will utilize two massive sites representing a combined 2.4 million square feet. The first site is a 905,517-square-foot building located on 45.45 acres at 3835 Youngs Road in Channahon. The second is a 1,380,070-square-foot building located on 60.7 acres at 2200 Channahon Road in Joliet.

To secure the development, the county agreed to a 5-year, 50% property tax abatement. In return, Hyundai Translead is expected to make a total capital investment of $345,157,238 between the two sites over the next three years. The company projects the creation of 2,475 new full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs by 2028.

“So when you enter into negotiations, before any decisions or final offers are made, it comes before us again?” asked Member Julie Berkowicz.

Assistant State’s Attorney Kevin Meyers confirmed the process, explaining that the County Executive will negotiate the specific terms of the abatement, but the final agreement is subject to the completion of all those terms and must return to the full board for final approval.

The resolution passed with 20 members voting in the affirmative. Member Daniel J. Butler cast the lone dissenting voice during the roll call.

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