TCCI to Showcase Electric Compressors and Present on Thermal Management Systems Panel at 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo
TCCI Manufacturing, a global leader in mechanical and electrical compressor technology for commercial, heavy-duty vehicle and automotive specialty markets, and next generation thermal management solutions, recently hosted the grand opening of its Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur, Illinois.
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(L to R): Dennis Flaherty, Charles Demirjian, Kara Demirjian Huss, Governor JB Pritzker, TCCI President Richard Demirjian stand in front of the new electric compressor manufacturing line in Decatur, IL.
The new state-of-the-art hub, which marks the first Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV) recipient project, is a $45 million public-private partnership designed to support the advancement of sustainable mobility while strengthening the North American supply chain by onshoring critical electric vehicle component manufacturing. The 260,000-square-foot facility includes an electric vehicle compressor production line, the Clean Energy Workforce Academy, a collaborative initiative with universities and community colleges offering students an immersive learning experience, and a Climatic Center for Innovation & Research, a cutting-edge research and development facility with robust climatic testing capabilities.
The EV compressor production facility, which will serve as the foundation of the three-tiered innovation hub, will begin producing made-in-America EV compressors for customers in the coming weeks. The Clean Energy Workforce Academy will begin in the fall with Richland Community College within TCCI’s facility — a first-of-its-kind clean energy education model. TCCI’s Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR) will open in 2026 and will be among the most advanced facilities in the country dedicated to next-generation thermal management systems and natural refrigerant technologies for EVs.
TCCI also today announced that it will showcase its portfolio of electric compressors as well as renderings of the company’s CCIR at the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo (April 28–May 1) in Anaheim, California. On Wednesday, April 30, TCCI President Richard Demirjian will join a 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 also feature insights from Jernelle Buckley (International) and Theodore Bohn (Argonne National Laboratory). The group will explore the critical role of Thermal Management Systems in enhancing EV fleet efficiency and sustainability and discuss cutting-edge technologies, next-gen refrigerants, and key global policies shaping the future of electrification. Visit TCCI at ACT Expo Booth 5884.
Last week, at the company’s grand opening event, TCCI hosted an Illinois Clean Energy Leadership Roundtable with Governor JB Pritzker. Moderated by Mark Denzler, president & CEO of Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the convening brought together executive leaders from industry, government, academia, and workforce development to discuss Illinois’ clean energy future. The group addressed key priorities including industrial decarbonization, supply chain resilience, workforce development for the clean energy transition, and public-private partnerships to scale clean energy innovation.
“From workforce development to innovation to manufacturing expansion, we are building an engine of opportunity. That starts with strategic projects like the Clean Energy Innovation Hub,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This has been years in the making, and it took collaboration to get here — collaboration between a company committed to Illinois, a state government and General Assembly committed to building an ecosystem for innovation to thrive, city government partners that understand what job growth means for its residents, and higher education that produces the highest quality workforce in the nation. Illinois is turning the page to grow good jobs, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities.”
“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,” said TCCI president Richard Demirjian. “We’re proud to be onshoring critical thermal management technology development to the United States, while supporting workforce development, and building a global hub for research and innovation.”
In partnership with Richland Community College, TCCI is launching the Clean Energy Workforce Academy to expand educational opportunities and to address workforce shortages in the EV and clean energy sectors. The scalable program aligns statewide higher education resources to train and reskill Illinois’ workforce through a co-developed curriculum focused on computer science, engineering, and advanced technology. Students will gain hands-on training in natural refrigerants, sustainable HVAC solutions, and clean energy systems, along with direct experience in refrigerant system validation. The initiative also strengthens career pathways for high school students, associate degrees, and industry certifications, ensuring a highly skilled workforce to help Illinois meet its ambitious clean energy goals.
As part of the grand opening celebration, Illinois EPA Director James Jennings announced a $650,000 matching grant to support the expansion of TCCI’s Climatic Center for Innovation & Research (CCIR), developed in partnership with Richland Community College. Set to open in spring 2026, the CCIR will serve as one of the nation’s most advanced facilities for testing and validating natural refrigerant technologies and sustainable thermal management systems. This new investment will enable expanded capabilities for real-world HVAC and thermal system simulations, customized testing for compliance with evolving energy standards, and accelerated development of next-generation clean technologies. The CCIR will also serve as a training ground for students and professionals entering the clean energy workforce—further cementing Illinois’ leadership in sustainable manufacturing and applied research.
“This investment reflects our shared commitment to building a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive manufacturing economy in Illinois,” said Director James 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.”
Separate from the EPA grant, the CCIR will also feature one of the only publicly available EPA-certified, three-axle, 2,200-total horsepower electric chassis dynamometers in the country—supporting advanced testing for emissions compliance, energy efficiency, and performance validation of next-generation commercial and heavy-duty vehicles.
About TCCI Manufacturing: TCCI Manufacturing is a global pioneer in compressor technology for commercial, heavy-duty vehicles, and automotive specialty markets. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Decatur, Illinois, TCCI offers the largest range of electric compressor capacities and voltages of any compressor manufacturer. With manufacturing locations in China, India, and the U.S., and a global footprint spanning engineering, sales, and warehousing in Illinois, Texas, China, Ireland, Germany, Spain, India, and Mexico, TCCI is committed to delivering innovative solutions that shape the future of manufacturing and advancing sustainable mobility. Visit TCCI Manufacturing at tccimfg.com.
Supporting Quotes:
“True progress in sustainable mobility happens when industry advancements and innovation align with forward-thinking partnerships such as this,” said Michael Grahe, Chief Technology Officer at International. “TCCI has been a partner for decades—delivering technologies that provide quality and value to our customers, while redefining what’s possible in the industry. 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.”
“From Ymer’s new headquarters in Buffalo Grove to TCCI’s Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Decatur, Illinois is proving that a localized supply chain is key to accelerating the transition to electrification and zero emissions,” said Björn Afzelius, President of Ymer Technology. “With forward-thinking policy, world-class talent, and partners like TCCI, Illinois is ensuring the next generation of EV systems is built right here in the U.S.”
“The Clean Energy Innovation Hub represents the kind of bold, future-focused investment that will define the next era of American manufacturing,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “By reshoring critical EV component production and launching a dedicated workforce academy, TCCI and its partners are not only reinforcing Illinois’ leadership in clean energy—they’re setting a national standard for how industry, education, and government can come together to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.”
"Richland Community College is proud to partner with TCCI Manufacturing in launching the Clean Energy Workforce Academy—an innovative model that bridges education and industry to prepare the next generation of skilled workers for the clean energy economy,” said Cristóbal Valdez, President of Richland Community College. “By integrating hands-on training, cutting-edge technical skills, trauma informed curriculum, and real-world experience we are ensuring Illinois has a competitive workforce ready to meet the demands of a sustainable future.”
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“From workforce development to innovation to manufacturing expansion, we are building an engine of opportunity. That starts with strategic projects like the Clean Energy Innovation Hub,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
Contacts
MEDIA CONTACT: pr@tccimfg.com