Dive Brief:
- Commercial zero-emissions truck maker ZM Trucks is establishing its first North America manufacturing plant in Fontana, California, the company announced Jan. 22.
- The factory, built in 2023, will support parent company ZO Motors’ zero-emission electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors and airport ground service equipment, according to the release.
- The facility spans more than 210,000 square feet and will have approximately 200 workers once fully operational, according to a San Bernardino County press release. Production is expected to begin in H1, initially making 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles a year. An investment was not disclosed.
Dive Insight:
The building will also serve as ZO Motors North America regional headquarters, relocating from its current site in Torrance, California.
The Fontana plant is on 9.67 acres and is strategically located near major highways, three airports, the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports and two railways, according to real estate company JLL’s handout.
ZM Trucks’ new factory will play a role in ZO Motors’ goal of advancing to cleaner and sustainable transportation solutions, according to the county release. Japan-based ZO Motors specializes in developing energy commercial vehicles powered by electric batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
In May 2024, ZO Motors entered a distribution agreement with transportation equipment manufacturer ITD Industries. The company would distribute ZM Trucks’ zero-emission batteries and fuel cell electric commercial vehicle products in Canada, making it a new energy vehicle supplier in the region, according to last year’s press release.
“Our new Fontana facility reflects ZO Motors' commitment to the U.S. market and sustainable innovation,” ZO Motors CEO Joost de Vries said in a statement. “This expansion allows us to deliver zero-emission solutions that lower total cost of ownership and drive long-term value for our customers.”
ZM Trucks is building another factory overseas. The ZEV commercial truck maker broke ground on an electric truck assembly facility in Pursat, Cambodia, in August 2024.
