TCCI Manufacturing Unveils Clean Energy Innovation Hub, Onshores EV Component Production, and Launches Workforce Academy in Illinois
TCCI Manufacturing, a recognized global leader in mechanical and electrical compressor technology for commercial, heavy-duty vehicles, automotive specialty markets, and next-generation thermal management solutions, recently celebrated the grand opening of its Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur, Illinois. This cutting-edge facility represents a significant leap forward in the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and strengthens the North American supply chain through the onshoring of electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturing. The project, a result of the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV), is backed by a $45 million public-private partnership, designed to support the transition to clean energy while creating jobs, advancing research, and fostering innovation.
The 260,000-square-foot hub encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including an electric vehicle compressor production line, the Clean Energy Workforce Academy, and a Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR). Together, these elements form a dynamic ecosystem that will not only shape the future of sustainable transportation but also provide the necessary infrastructure for workforce development and cutting-edge R&D.
Onshoring EV Component Manufacturing: A Key Milestone
The centerpiece of the Clean Energy Innovation Hub is the electric vehicle compressor production facility. This state-of-the-art production line will begin manufacturing made-in-America EV compressors in the coming weeks. These compressors are integral to the thermal management systems used in electric vehicles, and TCCI’s commitment to local manufacturing ensures the reliability and sustainability of these components within the growing U.S. EV market.
The decision to onshore EV component manufacturing to Illinois represents a major strategic move. It aligns with the company’s goal to help mitigate the global supply chain challenges that have affected the automotive industry, particularly in the EV sector. By establishing this facility in the heart of the Midwest, TCCI is not only contributing to the national clean energy transition but also enhancing the robustness of the North American supply chain.
The Clean Energy Innovation Hub will help Illinois solidify its position as a leader in clean energy manufacturing. As the U.S. electric vehicle market continues to grow, the need for localized production and supply chains becomes more critical. TCCI’s move to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. serves as an example of how companies can innovate and meet the challenges of the modern automotive industry while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
Clean Energy Workforce Academy: Building the Future of Sustainable Mobility
A key component of the Clean Energy Innovation Hub is the Clean Energy Workforce Academy, a groundbreaking collaboration between TCCI Manufacturing and Richland Community College. Set to open in the fall, the academy will offer an immersive learning experience for students pursuing careers in clean energy and electric vehicle technology. The academy will provide hands-on training and education in sustainable HVAC systems, natural refrigerants, and clean energy technologies, addressing workforce shortages in the growing EV and clean energy sectors.
The curriculum for the Clean Energy Workforce Academy is designed to align with Illinois’ statewide educational resources, focusing on computer science, engineering, and advanced technology. Students will gain invaluable practical experience in the design, development, and validation of refrigerant systems used in electric vehicles. The program will cater to a wide range of learners, from high school students exploring career pathways to adults seeking to reskill and enter the clean energy workforce.
In addition to its focus on education, the academy will serve as a vital training ground for the next generation of skilled workers, ensuring that Illinois is equipped with a workforce capable of meeting the state’s ambitious clean energy goals. The program will also offer industry certifications and associate degrees, enhancing career opportunities for graduates and helping fill the skilled labor gap in the clean energy sector.
The Clean Energy Workforce Academy is part of a broader effort by TCCI to strengthen workforce development within the state of Illinois. With the expansion of clean energy industries, there is an increasing demand for workers with specialized skills in green technologies. By partnering with Richland Community College, TCCI is helping to ensure that Illinois remains at the forefront of workforce innovation in the clean energy transition.
Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR): Pioneering R&D for EV Thermal Management
In addition to its manufacturing and workforce development initiatives, the Clean Energy Innovation Hub will include the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR), which is set to open in 2026. The CCIR will be one of the most advanced facilities in the country dedicated to next-generation thermal management systems and natural refrigerant technologies for electric vehicles.
The CCIR will focus on conducting cutting-edge research and development to optimize EV thermal management, which plays a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency, battery life, and overall vehicle performance. One of the unique aspects of the CCIR is its ability to conduct robust climatic testing, simulating a range of environmental conditions to assess the performance of thermal systems in real-world scenarios.
As part of its commitment to advancing sustainable mobility, TCCI is investing in the next generation of refrigerant technologies that can reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles. Natural refrigerants, which are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic refrigerants, will be a key area of focus for the CCIR. By developing new technologies that leverage natural refrigerants, TCCI aims to help the EV industry achieve its sustainability targets and contribute to the global push for decarbonization.
The research conducted at the CCIR will not only support the development of EV thermal management systems but also drive innovation in other sectors, including commercial and heavy-duty vehicles. The center’s testing capabilities will provide valuable data on energy efficiency and emissions compliance, ensuring that next-generation vehicles meet rigorous standards for sustainability.
A Partnership with Illinois Government to Foster Clean Energy Leadership
The grand opening of the Clean Energy Innovation Hub also featured an Illinois Clean Energy Leadership Roundtable, attended by Governor JB Pritzker and industry leaders from across the state. Moderated by Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the roundtable addressed key priorities for Illinois’ clean energy future, including industrial decarbonization, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and public-private partnerships.
Governor Pritzker expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing that the collaboration between TCCI, the state government, and other stakeholders is a critical step in building a cleaner, more sustainable future for Illinois. “From workforce development to innovation to manufacturing expansion, we are building an engine of opportunity,” said Governor Pritzker. “Illinois is turning the page to grow good jobs, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities.”
TCCI President Richard Demirjian echoed the Governor’s sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing Illinois’ clean energy leadership. “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,” Demirjian said.
A $650,000 Grant to Support R&D and Workforce Development
In a significant move to support the continued growth of the Clean Energy Innovation Hub, Illinois EPA Director James Jennings announced a $650,000 matching grant to help expand the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR). The grant will support the center’s efforts to enhance its testing capabilities and further develop sustainable thermal management systems.
The CCIR’s advanced testing capabilities will include simulations for HVAC and thermal system performance, emissions compliance, and customized testing for evolving energy standards. The expanded research capacity will accelerate the development of next-generation clean technologies and support Illinois’ broader decarbonization goals.
“This investment reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive manufacturing economy in Illinois,” said Director Jennings. “By advancing natural refrigerant research and workforce development, we’re reducing emissions, accelerating decarbonization, and paving the way for Illinois to lead the nation in clean energy innovation.”
TCCI’s Vision for Sustainable Manufacturing
As part of the ongoing expansion of the Clean Energy Innovation Hub, TCCI will also feature one of the only publicly available EPA-certified, three-axle, 2,200-total horsepower electric chassis dynamometers in the country. This high-tech equipment will support testing for emissions compliance, energy efficiency, and performance validation of next-generation commercial and heavy-duty vehicles.
TCCI’s dedication to advancing sustainable manufacturing practices is evident in the strategic investments being made at the Clean Energy Innovation Hub. The hub not only represents a major step in the company’s mission to drive the clean energy transition but also serves as a model for how public and private sectors can collaborate to address the challenges of the future.
About TCCI Manufacturing
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, TCCI Manufacturing is a global pioneer in compressor technology for commercial, heavy-duty vehicles, and automotive specialty markets. The company has a global footprint, with manufacturing locations in China, India, and the U.S., as well as engineering, sales, and warehousing operations in Illinois, Texas, China, Ireland, Germany, Spain, India, and Mexico. TCCI’s expertise spans a broad range of electric compressor capacities and voltages, making it a leader in the development of thermal management solutions for electric vehicles.
TCCI is committed to shaping the future of manufacturing and advancing sustainable mobility, and its Clean Energy Innovation Hub represents a significant step forward in these efforts.
Michael Grahe, Chief Technology Officer at International, praised TCCI’s commitment to innovation: “This facility isn’t just a win for Illinois; it’s a testament to American ingenuity leading the global charge as the next generation of transportation is defined.”
Björn Afzelius, President of Ymer Technology, emphasized the importance of a localized supply chain: “Illinois is ensuring the next generation of EV systems is built right here in the U.S.”
Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, highlighted the broader impact of TCCI’s efforts: “TCCI and its partners are setting a national standard for how industry, education, and government can come together to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”
Richland Community College President Cristóbal Valdez expressed pride in the partnership with TCCI: “We are ensuring Illinois has a competitive workforce ready to meet the demands of a sustainable future.”
