SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) says months of work by community, business, labor, and government leaders have forged a game-changing agreement to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant and expand its operations.

Stellantis is expected to invest nearly $5 billion in the Belvidere plant, which has been closed more than eight months.

“This deal took broad-based community support and cooperation by local and state leaders. What ultimately got it over the finish line was the agreement worked out by the UAW during recent strike negotiations with Stellantis,” Syverson said. “The Belvidere Assembly Plant has been an important economic engine for Boone County and the surrounding region since it opened 60 years ago.”

Details of the agreement include converting the 5.4 million-square-foot facility into a parts distribution center, as well as a new or retooled Belvidere Assembly Plant, and a new battery production facility.

“Over the last 30 years, I have been honored to represent Boone County and have worked with past Governors on economic packages that helped keep this vital plant open until recently. With this announcement, I am excited that the Belvidere Assembly Plant will continue to produce high-quality vehicles for many years to come,” Senator Syverson said.

“Of course, as a Boone County resident, I know what this new expansion will mean to our County and our residents,” he added. “Many thanks to local leaders, Growth Dimensions, area legislators, the Governor, and especially the UAW for all their hard work to get this project back on track.”