TCCI EV Manufacturing Opens $45M Clean Energy Innovation Hub to Accelerate U.S. EV Component Production and Workforce Development
TCCI Manufacturing, a global leader in mechanical and electrical compressor technology for commercial, heavy-duty vehicle and specialty automotive markets, has officially opened its new Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur, Illinois. The facility represents a significant investment in the future of electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturing and sustainable mobility, backed by a $45 million public-private partnership. This landmark initiative also marks the first major project under the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV), aimed at reinforcing North America’s clean energy supply chain.
Spanning 260,000 square feet, the Clean Energy Innovation Hub is designed to fulfill three strategic functions: electric compressor production, workforce development through the Clean Energy Workforce Academy, and advanced research and development at the forthcoming Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR). Together, these initiatives create a vertically integrated ecosystem to support the onshoring of critical components while preparing a skilled workforce to lead the clean energy transition.
A Strategic Shift Toward Domestic EV Compressor Manufacturing
The foundation of the Innovation Hub is its compressor production line, which will begin manufacturing domestically produced compressors for commercial and passenger applications in the coming weeks. EV Manufacturing As global demand continues to rise, this production facility is intended to fill a critical gap in the domestic supply chain by localizing key thermal management technologies that have traditionally been imported.
By manufacturing compressors in the U.S., TCCI aims to improve supply chain resilience, reduce lead times, and meet stringent environmental and performance standards required for next-generation EV Manufacturing platforms. The facility supports the company’s broader goal of strengthening North American capabilities in electric powertrain components and thermal systems—an area vital to efficiency, battery life, and occupant comfort.
Launching a First-of-Its-Kind Workforce Academy
Recognizing that clean energy manufacturing is only sustainable with a well-trained workforce, TCCI has partnered with Richland Community College to launch the Clean Energy Workforce Academy—an innovative educational program that will commence this fall. Housed within the TCCI facility, the academy will provide a first-of-its-kind immersive learning environment where students gain both classroom instruction and hands-on training directly aligned with industry needs.
This academy will focus on developing talent in computer science, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy technologies. EV Manufacturing Key areas of instruction include natural refrigerants, sustainable HVAC systems, refrigerant validation, and thermal management—a critical component in electric vehicles. The program is designed to offer flexible pathways for high school students, associate degree candidates, and working adults seeking reskilling opportunities. It will also offer certifications tailored to the evolving needs of the EV and clean energy sectors.
By aligning curriculum with statewide higher education institutions and workforce development organizations, the Clean Energy Workforce Academy provides a scalable model to address growing talent shortages across the clean tech ecosystem. EV Manufacturing The initiative also supports Illinois’ clean energy and decarbonization goals by cultivating a pipeline of local workers prepared to drive innovation in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
Pioneering Clean Technology Research at CCIR
Slated to open in spring 2026, the Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR) will be one of the nation’s most advanced facilities dedicated to research and development of sustainable thermal management systems and natural refrigerant technologies. Developed in collaboration with Richland Community College, the CCIR will provide extensive testing capabilities for emerging HVAC and thermal systems under real-world environmental conditions.
To support this vision, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $650,000 matching grant during TCCI’s grand opening ceremony. EV Manufacturing The grant will expand CCIR’s capacity for advanced system simulation, compliance testing, and the accelerated development of environmentally responsible thermal technologies. The facility will serve as both an innovation hub and a training ground for students and professionals seeking technical experience in clean energy systems.
A standout feature of the CCIR will be its EPA-certified electric chassis dynamometer—one of the only publicly accessible three-axle, 2,200-horsepower testing units in the country. EV Manufacturing This high-performance tool will enable advanced emissions compliance testing, efficiency validation, and performance benchmarking for electric and hybrid commercial vehicles, reinforcing the center’s position as a national asset for clean mobility research.
Industry Collaboration Showcased at ACT Expo
TCCI’s commitment to advancing EV technologies will be on full display at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, held April 28 through May 1 in Anaheim, California. At Booth 5884, the company will showcase its full portfolio of electric compressors along with renderings and project updates for the CCIR.
On April 30, TCCI President Richard Demirjian will participate in a featured panel discussion titled “Thermal Management Systems: Key to Advancing Electrification Technologies.” Moderated by Lisa Clemmons Stott, Electric Mobility and Innovation Director at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the session will bring together industry experts including Jernelle Buckley from International and Theodore Bohn from Argonne National Laboratory.
The panel will explore the essential role of thermal management in EV performance, the latest advancements in natural refrigerants, and the global regulatory landscape shaping clean transportation. Attendees will gain insights into how these technologies influence fleet efficiency, emissions reductions, and the overall sustainability of the transportation sector.
Statewide Collaboration Driving Clean Energy Growth
The grand opening event also featured an Illinois Clean Energy Leadership Roundtable, hosted by TCCI and attended by Governor JB Pritzker. The roundtable convened executives from industry, academia, government, and workforce development to explore Illinois’ leadership role in clean energy innovation and economic development. The discussion focused on themes including supply chain localization, industrial decarbonization, workforce readiness, and the value of cross-sector partnerships.
“From workforce development to innovation to manufacturing expansion, we are building an engine of opportunity,” said Governor Pritzker. “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 committed to innovation, and an education system producing top-tier talent. Illinois is turning the page toward growing clean jobs, strengthening communities, and building a better, more sustainable economy.”
TCCI President Richard Demirjian echoed the governor’s sentiment, noting that the opening of the Innovation Hub reflects a broader strategy for clean energy leadership rooted in domestic production, applied research, and talent development. “We’re proud to be onshoring critical thermal management technologies while investing in the next generation of innovators. This hub demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
