Italian-American automaker Stellantis unveiled sweeping domestic investment plans Wednesday, pivoting toward US manufacturing operations just days after Chairman John Elkann met with President Donald Trump.
The company will resurrect operations at its dormant Illinois facility to build a new midsize pickup truck. The Belvidere plant revival will bring back 1,500 union workers, reviving a facility that became a focal point during the United Auto Workers’ six-week strike in late 2023.
Stellantis had agreed in 2023 to invest $3.2 billion in a new battery plant and $1.5 billion in Belvidere by 2027, but delayed these plans in August. The UAW filed unfair labor practice charges the following month over the delays.
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“This victory is a testament to the power of workers standing together and holding a billion-dollar corporation accountable,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement.
North America COO Antonio Filosa announced the company will keep next-generation Dodge Durango production in Detroit, addressing union concerns about potential plans to move the SUV’s production to Canada.
The company will also upgrade tooling operations at its Toledo plant to make more critical components in-house for the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, while expanding its Kokomo, Indiana facility to produce a new four-cylinder engine.
A Stellantis spokesperson said the new Belvidere pickup truck will offer traditional gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions.
The announcements come as Trump considers imposing 25% duties on imports from Mexico and Canada starting February 1. The investments also mark the first major strategy shift since CEO Carlos Tavares stepped down in December.
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