Navistar International Corporation (Navistar) has acquired a new property in San Antonio, which includes existing buildings that will house support functions for its under-construction plant in the area. Navistar's total investment in the region will exceed $275 million and create over 650 jobs, pending local incentive approvals.
The expansion in Texas is part of Navistar 4.0, the company's enterprise-wide growth strategy. Navistar's under-construction 900,000-square-foot plant in San Antonio will produce Class 6-8 vehicles, including new electric-powered trucks. The additional property will bring resources closer to manufacturing operations.
"We're increasing our investment in San Antonio because local and state leaders have created a business climate that supports manufacturing innovation and has attracted a talented workforce," said Persio Lisboa, Navistar president and CEO. "Our Navistar 4.0 growth strategy is on track, and our new investment in San Antonio is another important step that will enable us to create a competitive advantage in the technology space."
The new property will also house a truck validation center to test and validate components of the company's electric truck business, and a truck specialty center to provide post-production customization of vehicles to support customers' business needs.
"Our expanded footprint in Texas near our manufacturing plant will allow us to dedicate space to new technologies like self-driving and connected vehicles, as well as support our growing investments in electrification and fuel cells," said Phil Christman, president of operations for Navistar. "Our team in Texas will work in tandem with our colleagues at our Lisle headquarters, the Navistar Proving Grounds and other operations to support making best-in-class products."
The new property is approximately eight miles from Navistar's under-construction plant in San Antonio. Project engineers responsible for designing and finishing the San Antonio plant expect to begin working at the new property by June 2021. The new site will host hiring events and training for future workers to support the launch of manufacturing operations at the San Antonio plant in 2022.
Navistar continues working with the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, as well as local and state governments to support the company's growth in the market. Next month, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County will consider economic development incentives packages to support Navistar's increased investment in the region.
