SCHAUMBURG, IL – The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) has reaffirmed its strong opposition to Illinois providing over half a billion dollars in taxpayer dollars to Gotion, a Chinese-owned electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer, for its new plant in Manteno. This deal, championed by Governor Pritzker, provides $536 million in incentives to a foreign entity while Illinois’ own small and midsize manufacturers and businesses face mounting tax burdens and a challenging business climate without similar state support.
“The massive incentive package has been met with widespread criticism from local manufacturers who understandably feel ignored by state leadership,” said TMA Executive Vice President Dennis LaComb. “These established Illinois businesses, which have been the backbone of the state’s economy for generations, are now expected to help foot the bill for a foreign competitor.”
This sentiment was confirmed by a TMA survey where nearly 75% of responding manufacturing members opposed the tax credits and subsidies granted to Gotion. Groups like the Concerned Citizens of Manteno (CCOM), which TMA fully supports, have highlighted potential environmental risks associated with lithium battery production and the strain the plant will place on local water and energy resources.
“Most of our small and midsize manufacturers have been in Illinois for decades, if not generations, and they are rarely thanked for their faithful contributions to the State of Illinois,” said LaComb. “Instead, they are required to pay more while the state fails to properly balance their budget, while new multinational businesses are gifted with incentives, tax breaks, and property tax relief. Even when the federal government threw a lifeline to small businesses with tax breaks in the One Big Beautiful Bill, Governor Pritzker decoupled the state which took away over $300 million for manufacturers. It’s time we showed appreciation for our longtime small and midsize manufacturers who’ve paid their fair share over the years and asked simply for public policies that encourage businesses like theirs.”
TMA advocates for policies that foster a fair and competitive environment for domestic manufacturers, rather than prioritizing foreign companies with questionable affiliations at the expense of local taxpayers and businesses.
About TMA: Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association whose mission is to partner with small and midsize manufacturers to help protect, promote, and grow their businesses through practical products, programs, services, and solutions. TMA has nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant.